IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Hiotographic 

Sdences 

Corporaition 


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23  WIST  MAIN  STREIT 

WIBSTM.N.Y.  M5S0 

(716)872-4903 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Mic/oreproductions  /  Instltut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


T«chnicai  and  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notas  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquas 


Tha  Instituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibiiographicaliy  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  aignificantiy  changa 
tha  uaual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chaekad  balow. 


□    Colourod  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  eoulaur 


|~n   Covara  damagad/ 


Couvartura  andommagia 


□   Covara  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataurte  at/ou  palliculia 


D 


0 


D 
D 


D 


Covar  titia  miaaing/ 

La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


I — I   Colourad  mapa/ 


Cartaa  giographiquaa  wt  eoulaur 

Colourad  inic  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  eoulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 


ryi   Colourad  plataa  and/or  llluatrationa/ 
LlJ    Planchaa  at/ou  illustrationa  an  eoulaur 


Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
Rail*  avac  d'autraa  documanta 


Tight  binding  may  eauaa  shadowa  or  diatortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

Laraliura  sarria  paut  eauaar  da  I'ombre  ou  da  la 
diatoraion  la  long  da  la  marga  intiriauro 

Blank  laavas  addad  during  rastoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  poaaibla.  thoaa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  sa  paut  qua  cartainaa  pagaa  blanchaa  ajoutiaa 
iora  d'una  raatauration  apparaiaaant  dana  la  taxta. 
maia,  lora(i*«a  cala  Atait  poaaibla,  eaa  pagaa  n'ont 
paa  *ti  filmtea. 


L'Inatitut  a  microfilm*  la  meijilaur  axamplaira 
qu'll  lui  a  Ati  poaaibla  da  sa  procurar.  Las  ditails 
da  cat  axi^'^plaira  qui  sont  paut-4tra  uniquas  du 
point  da  vua  bibliographiqua,  qui  pauvent  modifier 
una  imaga  raproduita,  ou  qui  pauvant  axigar  una 
modification  dana  la  mithoda  normaie  da  filmaga 
aont  indiquis  ci-dassous. 


r~|   Colourad  pagaa/ 


D 
El 


Pagaa  dn  eoulaur 

Pagaa  damngad/ 
Pagaa  andommagiaa 

Pagaa  raatorad  and/oi 

Pagaa  raataurtea  at/ou  palliculAas 

Pagaa  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  dAcolories,  tachetAes  ou  piquies 

Pagaa  detached/ 
Pagaa  ditach^s 

Showthrough/ 
Tranap  arenee 

Quality  of  prir 

Qualiti  inigale  de  ('impression 

Includes  supplementary  matarii 
Comprend  du  material  supplimantaire 


r*n   Pagaa  damngad/ 

r~~]   Pages  reatored  and/or  laminated/ 

0    Pagaa  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dAcoloriei 

I      I   Pagaa  detached/ 

a   Showthrough/ 
Tranap  arenee 

r~l    Quality  of  print  varies/ 

r^   Includes  supplementary  material/ 


Tha( 
toth( 

I 

I 

Thai 
poaal 
of  th 
filmii 


Origi 

begii 

thali 

sion, 

othe 

firat 

aion, 

or  ill 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seula  Mition  disponibie 

Pagaa  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refiimed  to 
enaure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totaiement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  fauiilet  d'errata,  una  pelure, 
etc..  ont  M  filmies  A  nouveau  de  fapon  i 
obtenir  la  mailleure  image  possible. 


Tha 
shall 
TINl 
whic 

Map 
diffe 
entii 
bagi 
right 
requ 
mati 


0 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmentaires; 


Last  5  pages  of  index  are  mining. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiquA  ei-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


XX 


y 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  hes  been  reproduced  thenke 
to  the  generosity  of: 

D.  B.  Weldon  Ubnry 
Univertity  of  WMtarn  Ontario 


L'exempieire  f  iimi  f  ut  reproduit  grAce  A  la 
ginArositt  de: 

D.B.WeklonUbrary 
University  of  Wettorn  Ontario 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  end  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Las  images  suivantes  ont  it6  reproduites  avec  ie 
plus  grand  soin.  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nettatA  de  I'exempiaire  f  ilm«,  et  en 
conformity  ayec  ies  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  Illustrated  Impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  Illustrated  Impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  ia  couvertiire  en 
papier  est  imprim6e  sont  film6s  en  commen^ant 
par  Ie  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  sOit  par  ia 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  ie  second 
plat,  salon  ie  cas.  Tous  ies  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commen^ant  par  ia 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —^>>( meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboies  suivants  apparaitra  sur  ia 
derniftre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  ie 
cas:  Ie  symbols  —^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  Ie 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


t  2  3 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fiimis  d  de»  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  ie  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  ciich6,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  i'angle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  Ie  nombre 
d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iiiustrent  la  mithode. 


1 


i 


6 


i 


I 


BIRD-LIFE 


Edition  in  Colors 


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Plate  I.  Paoe  156. 

BARN  SWALLOW. 

CLIFF  SWALLOW.  TIIFK  SWALL(JW 

BANK  SWALLOW. 


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7  5- 


BIRD- LIFE 

A  GUIDE   TO    TUB   STUDY 
OF    OUR    COMMON    BIRDS 


Bv   ["RANK   M.   CHAPMAN 

ASSISTANT    CURATOR    OK    THE    DhPAKTMENT    OP    MAMMALOGY    AND 

ORNITHOLO'lY    IN    THK     AMKRk;AN     MUSEUM    OF    NATURAL    HISTOKV  ; 

MEMBER  THE     AMKKICAN    DRNII  HOLOlilST.''    UNION  ;    AUTHOR    OF 

HANOBOOK   OH    BIRDS    OH    EASTERN    NORTH    AMERICA,    ETC, 


ILLUSTRATED    BY 

ERNEST     SETON     THOMPSON 

AUTHOR   OP   AKT  ANATOMY   OF   ANIMALS, 
THE   bIKUS  OF   MANITOBA,   ETC. 

WITH  SEVEXTV-rn-E  EVLL-PACE 
PL  A  TES  IN  COLORS 


v4l 


^#1 


NEW   YORK 
D.   APPLETON  AND  COMPANY 

1898 


COPYRIOHT,   1807, 

By  d.  appleton  and  company. 


176094 


TO 

Dr.  J.  A.  ALLP:N 

THIH     HOOK     IS     DKDICATKU 

AS   A   TOKKN   OK    RKSPECT   AND  AKKECTION 

KROM   ONK   WHO 

FOR    NINE    YEARS    1IA8    WORKED    AT    HI8    SIDE. 


/ 


_--^ 


Lt. 


I 


PKEFACE  TO  THE  EDITION  IN  COLORS. 


"Without  question,  the  simplest  and  most  certain  way 
in  which  to  learn  to  know  our  birds  is  by  examination 
of  the  birds  themselves.  Not  every  one,  however,  has 
access  to  an  ornithological  collection,  and  failing  this,  the 
best  substitute  for  the  bird  is  a  colored  plate  which  will 
accurately  represent  every  shade  and  tint  of  its  plumage. 
The  widespread  demand  for  a  work  containing  illustra- 
tions of  this  nature  is  undoubted,  but  publishers  liave  pre- 
viously hesitated  to  expend  the  large  sum  necessary  to 
produce  satisfactorily  colored  ])late8,  or  have  employed 
the  cheaj)  color  processes  with  results  far  from  successful. 

The  high  ))raise  which  has  been  accorded  the  illustra- 
tions in  the  uncolored  edition  of  Bird-Life  is  an  assur- 
ance that  bird  lovers  will  therefore  doubly  welcome  a 
work  in  which  our  birds  are  truthfully  portrayed,  not 
only  in  natural  attitudes,  but  in  natural  colors  as  well. 
Photographic  bromide  copies  of  the  original  drawings  for 
Bird-Life  have  been  carefully  colored  by  an  expert  col- 
orist  under  the  autlior's  supervision,  and  are  liere  repro- 
duced by  a  lithograjihic  process  which  insures  absolute 
accui-aey. 

F.  M.  C. 

American  Museum  of  Natural  ITistory, 
New  York  city,  October  1,  1S07. 

vii 


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' 


PREFACE. 


How  unusual  it  is  to  meet  any  one  who  can  correctly 
name  a  dozen  of  our  birds !  One  may  live  in  the  country 
and  still  know  only  two  or  three  of  the  one  hundred  and 
fifty  or  more  kinds  of  birds  that  may  be  found  during 
the  year.  Nevertheless,  these  gay,  restless  creatures, 
both  by  voice  and  action,  constantly  invite  our  attention, 
and  they  are  far  too  interesting  and  beautiful  to  be 
ignored.  No  one  to  whom  Nature  appeals  should  be 
without  some  knowledge  of  these,  the  most  attractive  of 
her  animate  forms. 

The  scientific  results  to  be  derived  from  the  study  of 
birds  are  fully  realized  by  the  naturalist.  I'ut  there  are 
other  results  equally  important.  I  would  have  every  one 
know  of  them :  results  that  add  to  our  pleasure  in  field 
and  wood,  and  give  fresh  interest  to  walks  that  before 
were  eventless ;  that  quicken  both  ear  and  eye,  making 
us  hear  and  see  where  before  we  were  deaf  and  blind. 
Then,  to  our  surprise,  we  shall  discover  that  tlie  forests 
and  pastures  we  have  known  all  our  lives  are  tenanted 
by  countless  feathered  iidiabitants  whose  companionship 
will  prove  a  source  of  endless  onjoyment. 

I  would  enter  a  special  ])lea  for  the  study  of  birds  in 
the  schools ;  for  the  more  general  introduction  of 
ornithology  in  natural-history  courses.  Frojrs  and  cray- 
fish serve  an  excellent  purpose,  but  we  may  not  en- 
counter either  of  them  nfter  leaving  the  labi  -atory ; 
whereas  birds  not  oidy  offer  excellent  opportunities  for 
2  ix 


:> 


I. 


X 


PUEKACK. 


study,  l)ut  iU'o  iilways  iibout  us,  aud  oven  ii  sli<jht  famil- 
iarity with  tlieui  will  be  of  value  long  after  ischool  days 
are  over. 


l*oi>uIar  interest  nuist  prececle  tlie  desire  for  purely 
teclmicul  kn(»wled<ie.  Tiie  t'ollowinji;  pages  are  n(»t  ad- 
dressed to  past  masters  in  ornithology,  but  to  those  who 
desire  a  general  knowleilge  of  bird- life  and  some  ae- 
(piaintanee  with  our  commoner  birds.  The  opening 
chapters  of  this  book  brielly  detine  the  bird,  its  place  in 
Nature  and  its  relation  to  man,  and  outline  the  leading 
facts  in  its  lifc-historv.  The  concluding  chapters  pre- 
sent the  portraits,  names,  ami  addresses  of  upward  of  one 
hundred  familiar  birds  of  eastern  North  America,  with 
sueli  infornuition  concerning  X\,o\y  comings  and  goings 
as  will  lead,  I  trust,  to  their  being  fouiul  at  homo. 

After  this  introduction  the  student  may  be  left  on 
the  threshold,  with  the  assurance  that  his  entrance  to  the 
innermost  circles  of  bird-life  depeiuls  entirely  on  his  own 
patience  and  enthusiasm. 

Frank  M.  Cuai'man. 

Amkiucvx  !\Irsi'.rM  ok  Natcrai.  History, 
Ni;\v  York  iitv,  January,  J6''J7, 


n 


/. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAP. 

rAim 

I.— TllR    lllim,    ITS    I'LACi:    I.V    NaTUHK    and    Ki:r,ATION    Tf)    MA.V     .         1 

Pliico  in  Niitiirc— lielatioii  to  iniui. 

II.— 'I'm:  MviNo  mill) j^ 

Fa<;t,()rs  of  evolution-  Tlie  wing,  its  form  and  iisos— 
Tlio  tiiii,  its  form  and  uses— Tlio  foot,  its  form  and  usos 
— The  bill,  its  form  and  usas. 

III.— Colors  of  nmns or 

Color  and  age— Color  and  season- The  molt— Color  and 
f„od_Coior  and  climate— Color  and  haunt  and  habit— 
('olor  and  sex. 

IV".— Thk  hkihatio.v  ok  nlRDS       .  .Q 

Extent  of  migration-Times  of  migration-Manner  of 
migration— Origin  of  inigrution. 


v.— TuK    VOICK   OF    BIRDS 

Song— (Jali-iiotcs. 


.    62 


VI.— Tni:  Ni;sTi\()  skason      .  „. 

04 

'J'inio  of  nesting— Mating-The   nest- The  eggs— The 
young. 

VII.— ITOW   TO    IDENTIKY    lilRDR 

A  bird's  biography. 


71 


Field  key  to  our  commo.v  Land  Uirds 

xi 


.    75 


xii 


CONTENTS. 


pAoa 

The  Water  Birds 84 

Diving  Birds — Long-winged  Swimmers — Tube-nosed  Swim- 
mers— Lamellirostral  Swimmers — Herons,  Storks,  Ibises,  etc. 
— Cranes,  Rails,  etc. — Shore  Birds. 


The  Land  Birds 100 

Gallinaceous  Birds — Pigeons  and  Doves — Birds  of  Prey — 
Cuckoos,  Kingfishers,  etc.  —  Woodpeckers  —  Goatsuckers, 
Swiftb,  and  Hummingbirds — Perching  Birds. 

r 


PAOK 

.    84 


m- 
itc. 


100 


rs. 


LIST  OF     LLUSTRATIONS. 


FuLL-PAOE  Plates. 

PLATE  PACING 

I.— Barn,  Cliflf,  Bank,  and  Tree  Swallows    Frontispiece 

II.— Pied-billed  Grebe 3 

III. — Loon '      g 

IV.— Herring  Gull;  Petrels.        ....        .        '    10 

v.— Wood   Duck;     Pintails;    Mallards:     Green-winged 

Teal ;  Blue-winged  Teal ;  Canada  Geese     .        .    14 
VI.— Little  Green  Heron;  Black-crowned  Night  Heron; 

Great  Blue  Heron '    jg 

VII.— American  Bittern ;  Sora .2% 

VIII.— American  Coot;  Clapper  Rail      .        .        .        .        '26 

IX.— Wilson's  Snipe '    gQ 

X.— Common  Tern;  Semipalmated  Sandpiper;  Semipal- 

mated  Plover 34 

XL— Spotted  Sandpiper ;  Killdeer 33 

XII. — Ruffed  Grouse 42 

XIII. — Mourning  Dove *  46 

XIV.— R«d-shouldered  Hawk qq 

XV.— Jlarsh  Hawk         ••.!...  53 

XVI. — Sparrow  Hawk gj 

XVII.— Sharp-shinned  Hawk    .        .        ,        .        ,        \        .    m 

XVIII. — American  Osprey gg 

XIX. — Short-eared  Owl gQ 

XX. — Screech  Owl on 

XXI. — Barred  Owl 64 

XXII.— Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  .......    ^ 

XXIII.— Belted  Kingfisher         •...','.'!    68 

XXIV. — Downy  Woodpecker 10 

XXV. — Red-headed  Woodpecker     .  04 

XXVI.-Flicker .'!.'!    86 

XXVII.— Nighthawk ;  Whip-poor-will        .....    88 

xiii 


f, 


Ill 


xiv  LIST  OP  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

FACtNO 

PLATK  PAOK 

XXVIII.— Chimney  Swift 90 

XXIX.— lluby-throiit I'd  Hummingbird 02 

XXX.— Kingbird 04 

XXXI.— Crested  Flyciiteher 00 

XXXII.— I'lui'be 5)8 

XXXIII.— Wood  Pewee 100 

XXXI  v.— Horned  Lurk 103 

XXXV.— Halt  imore  Oriole 104 

XXXVI.— Orchard  Oriole 106 

XXXVI  I.-PiirpleGruokle 108 

XXXVIII.— Bobolink     . no 

XXXIX.— Meadowlurk 112 

XL.— Cowbird 114 

XLI.— Song  Sparrow 110 

XLII.— Swamp  Sparrow 118 

XLIII.— Field  Sparrow 120 

-    XLIV.— Vesper  Sparrow 122 

~     XLV.— Chipping  Sparrow 124 

XLVI.— White-throated  Sparrow 126 

XL VII.— Fox  Sparrow 128 

XLVIII.— Junco 130 

_    XLIX.— Tree  Sparrow 132 

L. — Redpoll ;  Snowflake 134 

LI. — American  Crossbill ;  Pine  Grosbeak  ....  136 

LII.— American  Goldfinch  . 138 

LIII.— Purple  Finch 140 

LIV. — Rose-breasted  Grosbeak 143 

LV.— Towhee 144 

LVI.— Dickcissel 146 

LVII.— Cedar  Waxwing 148 

LVIII.— N'orthern  Shrike 150 

LIX. — Red-eyed  Virco ;  Yellow-throated  Vireo  .        .        .  152 

LX.— Black  and  White  W^arbler 154 

LXI. — Myrtle  W^arbler  ;  Black-throated  Green  Warbler     .  156 

LXII.— Redstart 158 

LXIIl.— Oven-bird 160 

LXIV.— Maryland  Yellow-throat 162 

LXV.— Yellow-breasted  Chat 104 

LXVI.— :M()ckingbird 160 

LXVII.— Brown  Thrasher 168 

LXVIII.— House  Wren 170 

LXIX.-Long-billod  Marsii  Wren 172 

LXX. — Brown  Creeper ;  Chickadee 174 


111 


dit 


FACING 
PAGE 

.    «0 

.    02 

.  04 
.  06 
.  08 
.  100 
.  103 
.  104 
,  106 
.  108 
.  110 
.  112 
.  114 
.  116 
.  118 
.  120 
.  123 
.  124 
.  126 
.  128 
.  130 
.  132 
.  134 
136 
138 
140 
143 
144 
146 
148 
150 
153 
154 
156 
158 
160 
162 
104 
166 
168 
170 
173 
174 


LIST  OP  ILLUSTUATIONS.  ^V 

FACINO 
PLATB  PAQB 

LXXI.— Retl-breasted  Nuthatch;  Whitc-breastcd  Nuthatch  176 

TjXXII. — (toldcn-crowned  Kinglet;  Riiby-crowneu  Kinglet   ,  178 

LXXIir.— Veery 180 

liXXIV.— Wood  Thrush 183 

LXXV.— Hermit  Thrush 184 


'V 


FIO. 
1. 

8. 
3. 


6. 

7. 

8. 

0. 
10. 
11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

10. 

17. 
18. 
19. 

20. 
21. 


Figures  in  the  Tex": 

PAOB 

Restoration  of  the  Archreoptcryx,  a  toothed,  reptileliko  bird 

of  the  Jurassic  period 3 

End  of  spearlike  tongue  of  Pileated  Woodpecker     .        .        .14 
Tip  of  tail  of  (a)  Downy  Woodpecker,  (b)  Brown  Creeper,  to 
show  the  pointed  shape  in  tails  of  creeping  birds  of  different 

families 16 

Young  lloatzin,  showing  use  of  hooked  fingers  in  climbing    .    17 
Short,  rounded  wing  and  largo  foot  of  Little  Black  Rail,  a  ter- 
restrial bird 18 

Long,  pointed  wing  and  small  foot  of  Tree  Swallow,  an  aerial 

bird 18 

Frigate-bird 19 

Great  Auk,  showing  relatively  small  wing  .  .  .  .21 
Wing  of  Woodcock,  showing  three  outer  attenuate  feathers  .  24 
Jacana,  showing  sjjurrcd  wing  and  elongated  toes  .  .  .24 
Tail-f  eat  hers  of  Motmot(iVow«/«ss»/>r(//i".scens),  showing  newly 

grown  feathers  and  results  of  self-inflicted  mutilation         .    26 
Lobed  foot  of  Coot  (Fulica  americuna),  a  swimming  bird  of 

the  Rail  family 27 

Lobed  foot  of  a  Phalarope  (Cn/mophiliis  fiilirarius),  a  swim- 
ming bird  of  the  Snipe  family 27 

Flamingo,  showing  relative  length  of  legs  and  neck  in  a  wad- 
ing bird 28 

Foot  of  Fish  Ilawk,  showing  large  claws  and  spicules  on  under 

surface  of  toes 29 

Naked  toes  of  Ruffed  Grouse  in  summer ;  fringed  toes  of  Ruffed 

Grouse  in  winter 29 

Decurved  bill  of  Sickle-bill  Hummingbird  .  .  .  .31 
Serrate  bill  of  Merganser,  a  fish-eating  bird  .  .  .  .33 
Probelike  bill  of  Woodcock,  showing  extent  to  "lyhich  upper 

mandible  can  be  moved 33 

Recurved  bill  of  Avocet 33 

Bill  of  Spoonbill  Sandpiper 33 


XVI 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


no. 


PAOB 


3!i.  Curved  bill  of  fomnle,  straight  bill  of  male  nuiiv-bird 

23.  Feathers  from  buck  of  Snowttivku,  showiiif?  i^easoiial  changes  in 

form  and  color  duo  to  wearinfj  olT  of  tips      .        .        .        .88 

24.  Eggs  of  (a)  Spotted  Sandpiper  and  (h)  Catbird,  to  show  differ- 

ence in  size  of  eggs  of  pra^cocial  and  altricial  birds  of  same 
size C8 

25.  Topography  of  a  bird 74 


PAOC 

, 

H-.i 

in 

. 

88 

er- 

ne 

, 

C8 

* 

74 

BIRD-LIFE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THP:  BIRD:  ITS  PLACE  IN  NATURE  AND 
RELATION  TO  MAN. 

T/ie  Bird's  Place  in  Nature* — About  thirteen 
thousand  species  of  birds  are  known  to  science.  The 
structure  of  many  of  these  has  been  carefully  studied, 
and  all  have  been  classified,  at  least  provisionally. 
Taken  as  a  whole,  the  class  Aves,  in  which  all  birds  are 
placed,  is  more  clearly  defined  than  any  other  group  of 
the  higher  animals.  That  is,  the  most  unlike  birds  are 
more  closely  allied  than  are  the  extremes  among  mam- 
mals, fishes,  or  reptiles,  and  all  living  birds  possess  the 
distinctive  characters  of  their  class. 

When  compared  with  other  animals,  birds  are  found 
to  occupy  second  place  in  the  scale  of  life.  They  stand 
between  mammals  and  reptiles,  and  are  more  closely  re- 
lated to  the  latter  than  to  the  former.  In  fact,  certain 
extinct  birds  so  clearly  connect  living  birds  with  rep- 
tiles, that  these  two  classes  are  sometimes  placed  in  one 
group — the  Sauropsida. 


*  On  the  structure  of  birds  read  Coues's  Key  to  North  American 
Birds,  Part  II  (Estes  &  Lauriat):  Ileadley,  The  Structure  and  Life  of 
Birds;  Newton's  Dictionary  of  IMrds — articles,  Anatomy  of  Birds  and 
Fossil  Birds;  Martin  and  Moale's  Handbook  of  Vertebrate  Dissection, 
Part  II,  How  to  Dissect  a  Bird;  Shufeidt's  Myology  of  the  Kaven 
(Macmillan  Co.). 

8  1 


CIIAUACTKIW  OP   niUDS. 


I'd; 


The  chamctern  that  diKtiiii^uiHh  hinlH  from  niammala 
on  the  oiu!  hand,  airl  from  rcptih'Koii  tho  other,  are  iiKtro 
apparent  than  real.  ThuH  Hijj;ht,  the  most  Htrikinji;  of  a 
hlrd's  giftK,  iw  uliared  by  hatw  anuinjx  mammals.  K«if;-hiy- 
inj?  is  the  hahit  of  most  reptih's  and  of  three  mammalB 
(the  An-traHan  duckbill  and  the  echidnas).  Hut  incuba- 
tion by  one  or  both  of  tlie  parents  is  [)eculiar  to  l)ir(l8, 
thoui^h  the  python  is  said  to  c(»il  on  its  ejjjjijs. 

liirds  breatiie  more  rapidly  than  either  mammals  or 
reptiles,  and  their  pneumaticity,  or  power  of  inflating 
numerous  air-sacs  and  even  certain  bones,  is  uni(jue. 

The  tenij)erature  of  birds  ranfj;es  from  1(K»°  to  112°, 
wliile  in  mammals  it  reaches  1>S°  to  100°,  and  in  the  com- 
paratively cold-blooded  reptiles  it  averages  only  4(»°. 

The  skull  in  mammals  articulates  with  the  lust  verte- 
V)ra  (atlas)  by  two  condyles  or  balls;  in  birds  ami  reptiles 
by  only  one.  In  mammals  and  birds  the  heart  has  four 
chambers;  in  reptiles  it  has  l>ut  three. 

Mammals  and  reptiles  both  have  teeth,  a  character 
possessed  by  no  existuig  bird  ;  but  fossil  birds  appar- 
ently ]>rove  that  early  in  the  development  of  the  class 
all  birds  had  teetli. 

Thus  we  might  continue  the  comparison,  finding  that 
birds  have  no  universal  peculiarities  of  structure  which 
are  not  present  in  some  degree  in  either  manmials  or 
reptiles,  until  we  come  to  their  external  covering.  The 
reptile  is  scaled,  and  so  is  the  fish  ;  the  mannnal  is  haired, 
and  so  are  some  insects ;  but  birds  alone  jiossess  feathers. 
They  are  worn  by  every  bird — a  tit  clothing  for  a  body 
whicli  is  a  marvelous  combination  of  beauty,  lightness, 
and  strength. 

There  is  good  evidence  for  the  behef  that  birds  have 
descended  from  reptilian  ancestors.  This  evidence  con- 
sists of  the  remains  of  fossil  l)ird8,  some  of  which  show 
marked  reptilian  characters  and,  as  just  said,  are  toothed. 


I      »• 


•    «^  1 


'4,. 


% 


1 


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or 

Mie 

ircd, 

Jiers. 

3dy 

liiess. 


have 

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llied. 


% 


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u.\-    » 


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il 


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Is 


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),- 


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^i 


tV  n((  i  t  Se  V:©  \\T\\uTO\\^ w 


Fl.ATK    II.  I'AciK    M. 

('IEI)-UILLKI)  (lUHHH. 
LiHijitli,  Hi-,')!)  iiiclics.     Siini'>t,-r  p/iii>i,ix,;  iippiM'  iiiirtshlackisli  lirmvn:  tliroat 
1111(1   spot   nil   t)ill  hliick;  I'lirc  neck  lirovviiisli,   rest  of  uihIit  parts  n'Miyisli 
white.      IVinltT  p/n»iai,'i\  sii.iilar,  liiit  witluml  bhick  on  tliiuiit  or  hill. 


masm 


<mm 


ANCESTORS  OP  BIRDS. 


3 


It  is  unnecessary  to  discuss  here  tlie  relationships  of  the 
birdhke  reptiles,  but,  as  the  most  convi'icing  argument 
in  support  of  the  theory  of  the  reptilian  descent  of  birds, 
I  present  a  restoration  of  the  ArchsBopteryx,  the  earliest 
known  progenitor  of  the  class  Aves.     This  restoration  is 


Fui.  1. — Hestoration  of  the  ArcliirnptiTyx,  ii  tnothoil,  rpptilelike  bird  of  tlic 
Jurnssio  pi^rioil.     (About  '/e  niitunil  size.) 


based  on  an  examination  of  previous  restorations  in  con- 
nection with  a  study  of  the  excellent  plates  M'hich  hare 
been  published  of  the  fossils  themselves.*  Two  speci- 
mens have  been  discovered  ;  one  being  now  in  the  British 
Museum,  the  other  in  the  Berhn  Museum.  They  were 
both  found  in  the  lithographic  slates  of  Solenhofen,  in 
Bavaria,  a  formation  of  the  .Jurassic  period,  and,  together, 
furnish  the  more  important  details  of  the  structure  of  this 
reptilelike  bird. 

This  restoration,  therefore,  while  doubtless  inaccurate 


*  l^'or  ivoeiit  jiiipcrs   mi  tlio  Archmopteryx  see  Natural  Science 
(Macnullan  Co.),  vols,  v-viii. 


4  DISTRIBUTION  OF  BIRDS. 

in  minor  points,  is  still  near  enouf>;li  to  the  truth  to  give 
a  correct  idea  of  this  extraordinary  bird's  appearance. 

The  Arch^opteryx  was  about  the  size  of  a  Crow.  Its 
long,  feathered  tail  is  supposed  to  have  acted  as  an  aero- 
plane, assisting  in  the  support  of  the  bird  while  it  was 
in  the  air,  but  its  jiower  of  flight  was  doubtlees  Ihnited. 
It  was  arboreal  and  pr<>l)ably  never  descended  to  the 
earth,  but  climbed  about  the  branches  of  trees,  using  its 
large,  hooked  Angers  in  passing  from  limb  to  limb. 

The  wanderings  of  this  almost  (piadrupedal  creature 
must  neeessr.rily  have  been  limited,  but  its  winged  de- 
scendants of  to-day  are  more  generally  distributed  than 
are  any  other  animals.*  They  roam  the  earth  from  pole 
to  pole  ;  they  are  ecpially  at  home  on  a  wave-washed 
coral  reef  or  in  an  arid  desert,  amid  arctic  snows  or  in 
the  shades  of  a  tropical  forest.  This  is  due  not  alone  to 
their  powers  of  flight  but  to  their  adaptability  to  vary- 
ing conditions  of  life.  Although,  as  I  have  said,  birds 
are  more  closely  related  among  themselves  than  are  the 
members  of  either  of  the  other  higher  groups  of  animals, 
and  all  birds  agree  in  possessing  the  more  important 
distinguishing  characters  of  ti-.clr  class,  yet  they  show  a 
wide  range  of  variation  in  structure. 

This,  in  mo&c  instances,  is  closely  related  to  habits, 


*  On  the  distribution  of  animals  road  Allen,  The  Geographical 
Distribution  of  North  American  Mammals,  Bulletin  of  the  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  city,  iv,  1802,  pp.  199-244; 
four  maps.  Allen,  '"lio  Geographical  Origin  and  Distribution  of  N'  rth 
American  Birds  considered  in  Relation  to  Faunal  Areas  of  North 
America,  The  Auk  (New  York  city),  x.  1893.  pp.  97-150;  two  maps. 
Merriain,  The  Geographic  Distribution  of  Life  in  North  America,  with 
Special  Reference  to  Mammalia,  Proceedings  of  the  Biological  vioeiety 
of  Washington,  vii,  1893,  pp.  1-G4;  one  map.  Merriam,  Laws  of  Tem- 
perature Control  of  the  Geographic  Distribution  of  Terrestrial  Ani- 
mals and  Plants,  National  Geographic  Magazine  (Washington),  vi, 
1894,  pp.  229-2;i8 ;  three  maps. 


11  ! 


graphical 
UiK'rican 
l',)9-'2t4 ; 
of  N'l-th 
f  North 
()  maps, 
ica.  with 
.■"loeiety 
of  Tern- 
rial  A  ni- 
ton), vi, 


RELATION  OF  BIRDS  TO  MAN.  5 

which  in  birds  are  doubtless  more  varied  than  in  any 
of  the  other  lilgher  animals.  Some  birds,  like  Penguins, 
are  so  aquatic  that  they  are  practically  helpless  on  land. 
Their  wings  are  too  small  to  sup])ort  them  in  the  air,  but 
they  ily  under  water  with  great  rapidity,  and  might  be 
termed  feathered  porpoises.  Others,  like  the  Ostrich, 
are  terrestrial,  and  can  neither  fly  nor  swim.  Others 
still,  like  the  Frigate  Birds,  are  aerial.  Their  small 
feet  are  of  use  only  in  perching,  and  their  home  is  in 
the  air. 

If  now  we  should  compare  specimens  of  Penguins, 
Osti'iches,  and  Frigate-birds  with  each  other,  and  wich 
such  widely  different  forms  as  llinumingbirds,  Wood- 
l)eckers,  Parrots,  and  others,  we  would  realize  still  more 
clearly  the  remarkable  amount  of  variation  sho\.'n  by 
birds.  This  great  ditlerence  in  form  is  accompanied  by  a 
corresponding  variation  in  haltit,  making  jjossible,  as 
before  remarked,  the  wide  distribution  of  birds,  which, 
together  with  their  size  and  abundance,  renders  them  of 
incalculable  importance  to  man.  Their  economic  value, 
however,  may  be  more  pr<)perly  spoken  of  under 

The  Relathm  of  Binlx  to  ]\f<ui. — The  relation  of  birds 
to  man  is  threefold — the  scientific,  the  economic,  and  the 
{Bsthetic.  No  animals  form  more  jirofitable  subjects  for 
the  scientist  than  birds.  The  embryologist,  the  morphol- 
ogist,  and  the  systematist,  the  ])hilosopliic  naturalist  and 
the  psychologist,  all  may  And  in  them  exhaustless  mate- 
rial for  study.  It  is  not  my  purpose,  however,  to  sjieak 
here  of  the  science  of  ornithology.  Let  us  learn  some- 
thing of  the  bird  in  its  haunts  before  taking  it  to  the 
laboratory.  The  living  bird  can  not  fail  to  attract  us; 
the  dead  bird — voiceless,  motionless — we  will  leave  for 
future  dissection. 

The  economic  value  of  birds  to  man  lies  in  the  service 
they  render  in  preventing  the  undue  increase  of  insects, 


r. 


'r 


K<'ON(»MIC   VAM'K  (>K   lUUKS. 


in  tlrvoiiriiif^  kiiiiiII    nidcnlH,  in   tlcHl roving  llic  wmmIh   of 
hiiniirnl  itliinlH,  iiml  in  iirtin^r  n^  H'iiM-n<;'(>i'K. 

l.fiuliufj;'  (•nloni«»i(t;:;iKlH  rHliniiilc  lliiil    inscclH  cimiki"  tin 
iinniiiil  loss  of  III    Inist  two  lniiMlrt'<l  million  (IoIIiii'h  Io  tlu* 
iii-'rit'iilliinil  inlor(<M(H  of  |Ih>  llnit»<(l  Sliilt-H.     Tlic  stiilc 
nicnl   M'rnis  inci't'ililtlr,   Itnt     is  Itascil   upon    rcliMlilc  hU\- 


I 


ncnl  srrnis  inci't'diltlr,  Itnt  is  Itascil  upon  rcliMlilc  slii- 
islics.  Tliis,  of  conrsc,  docs  not  inclndt'  (lie  diiinnnc 
lono  Io  orniiincnlid  slirnitiiiTv,  hIiikIc  iiml  rorcsl  Iitcs. 
SnI  il  insccis  iirc  llic  iiMlnrid  cnt'inics  of  vt'^i't.'ilion,  liinis 
iin>  llio  niilnnd  rncniirs  ol'  iiisccls.  ( 'onsidtw  lorn  nio- 
nuMil  wind  llir  Itinls  >\vr  doinji^'  for  ns  tiny  snninirr  diiy, 
wluMi  inst<clsiii'«>  so  idmndtinl  lliiil  llit>  linni  of  llicir  nidlod 
voiiTs  lit'coiiH's  nil  idniosl  inlicronl  |)iirl  ol'  llic  iilniospluTf. 
In  the  iiir  SumHows  niid  Swills  jin'  coiirsiiiji'  nipidly 
io  Mild  Iro,  (<vcr  in  piirsiiil  ol"  tlic  ins»>cls  wliicli  constilnh' 
llicir  sole  I'ood.  W'licii  llicv  rclirc,  tlu'  Nii>lilliiiw  ks  nnd 
Whip  poor  wills  will  tiikc  up  llic  cli.i.c,  ciitcliinn-  mollis 
jind  otli«>r  noclurniil  ins»<cls  wliicli  would  csciipc  diiy  ll_vini:j 
liirds.  riii>  i'MycMlclicrs  lie  in  w.-iil,  diirliiii;-  I'roni  iimlnisli 
!it  pMssiiis;  pr(>v,  iind  with  n  siini>«'sli\c  t'lick  ol"  llic  hill 
rcluniini;-  to  their  post.  The  Wiirhlers.  li^ht,  in'tiv(>  «'re!i 
lun>s,  tinlter  iihoiit  the  terinin;il  l'oIiii<;(<,  imd  with  iilniost 
till'  skill  ol'  !i  lliimniiiiiilMrd  pick  insi>ets  from  li<)if  or 
blossom.  The  N'ireos  pMlicntly  »'\plon'  the  under  sidi>s  of 
lc;i\t's  Mild  Oih\  nooks  Mild  eonu>rs  \{\  sei'  lliMl  no  skulker 
escMpes.  The  Woodpeckers,  N iithMlclit>s.  mihI  Cn-epers 
Mlleiid  to  tlie  trei>  trunks  mikI  liiiihs,  exMiuiniiii:' eMrefiilly 
cMch  inch  o\  l»Mrk  I'or  insi>cts'  »>nii-s  Muti  kirvie,  or  e\cM 
Viitinu-  for  the  Miits  nnd  liorers  tlu'v  licMr  Ml  work  within. 
(>n  the  ground  tlu"  limit  is  eontimu'd  l\v  tin*  Thrushes, 
SpMrrt>ws.  Mild  othei'  hirds.  who  t'i>ed  upon  the  iiiiumier 
'.\\Ac  t'orms  o\'  tern^striMl  insi-cts.  I'\'w  pl'iees  in  which 
in.-ects  e\!>t  are  nei:leeti'd  :  cmmi  some  sptMMes  which  |>mss 
their  e.irliiM-  st:iu'es  or  entire  li\i>s  in  the  WMti>r  Mre  preytMl 

1111. ui    \\\    >i.  iii'i  t  il'   III  I'lls 


uptMi  l>\  ,'i(|uatie  Inrds 


■<;■  fU--r  ..)■•  ■■ 


^-■ 


>>'.  -^ 


f 


.^•- 


;^i»wii«.i'J.^.^  ?'.... 


'^■ 


Ivmj:; 


■<■-    ■    ■■.<:     ..-  .,;,«>. ;^,- 


',^J;      * 


.■^'r'l: 


.^,w 


M^. 


«i    ' 


.'Mv*; 


I 


N'u    ! 


>:;i:!i:. 


!|  I 


Il  II   '.-.1. 


'1  i 


'  .  ■■  I  •  .  ■  1  1 
'  '  I  ■.      I  I J 1  - 


I. 


\!V 


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■*i««!r3»"r> 


—•*!?■>.-: 


TajLV*,-.- »;•*». 


■iSlf^Vi; '«>»>.  . 


:..-^.-.j:  ;:AJ-w-,-i^ 


•'■v>''*    l:*»*I?-s5£'V*i'*/  ' 


.  i-s/^vaftiSft' 


*''i*R*""''^"''' 


V 


Plate  III.  Page  85. 

LOON, 

LcK.Ljtli,  ,'{2-00  iiii'lios.     Sioniiiir  /^/miici};,',  \\\\\wr  purls  iuul  fiin>  nock  l)liU'k 

iiiid  uliiti';    lircast   iiiid  l)clly  wliiti'.      ll'intt-r  /'//ima:^,;  iiiiper  i)urt.s  ilai'k 

j^i'iiyisli;  uiul(!i'  parts  wliitc 


ECONOMU!  VALUE  OP  BIRDS. 


fJirds  (litest  tlioir  food  so  rapidly,  tliat  it  is  difficult  to 
estimato  from  the  contents  of  a  bird's  stotnacli  at  a  fj^iven 
time  how  much  it  eats  diiriu<?  the  (hi,y.  The  stomach  of  a 
YeHow-hilled  Cuckoo,  shot  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morninjif, 
contained  the  partially  dijjjcsted  renuiins  of  forty-three 
tent  caterpillars,  hut  how  many  it  would  have  eaten  he- 
fore  night  no  one  can  say. 

Mr.  E.  II.  Forhush,  Ornithologist  of  the  Board  of 
Agriculture  of  Massachusetts,  states  that  the  stonuichs 
of  four  (/hickadees  contained  one  thousand  and  twenty- 
eight  eggs  (►f  the  cankerworm.  The  stomachs  of  four 
other  birds  of  the  same  species  contained  about  six 
hundred  eggs  and  one  hundred  aiul  five  female  moths 
of  the  cankerworm.  The  average  number  of  eggs 
found  in  twenty  of  these  moths  was  one  hundred  and 
eighty -^ve ;  and  as  it  is  estimated  that  a  Chickadee  may 
eat  thirty  female  cankerworm  moths  per  day  during 
the  twenty-five  days  which  these  moths  crawl  up  trees, 
it  follows  that  in  this  period  each  (chickadee  would  de- 
stroy one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred and  fifty  eggs  of  this  noxious  insect. 

Professor  Forbes,  Director  of  the  Illiiutis  State  Lab- 
oratory of  Natural  History,  found  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  larvjy  of  Blhio — a  fly  which  in  the  larval 
stage  feeds  on  the  roots  of  grass — in  the  stomach  of  a 
single  Robin,  and  the  intestine  contained  probably  as 
many  more. 

Many  additional  cases  could  l»e  cited,  showing  the 
intinmte  relation  of  birds  to  insect-life,  and  emphasizing 
the  necessity  of  ])rotecting  and  eiu'ouraging  these  little- 
appreciated  allies  of  the  agriculturist. 

The  service  reiulered  man  by  birds  in  killing  the 
small  rodents  so  destructive  to  crops  is  })erformed  by 
Hawks  and  Owls — birds  the  uninformed  farmer  con- 
siders his  enemies.     The  truth  is  that,  with  two  excep- 


7 


I 


8 


KCONOMIC   VALUE  OF  UIIIDS. 


tions,  tlic  Slmr|i-Hliimio(l  uiid  (\)()|){M'rt  TTfiwk,  all  oiircom- 
inoiier  lliiwkrt  iiiKJ  Owls  are  ItfiicHcial.  In  IiIh  exliaust- 
ive  wtudy  of"  tlio  UhhU  of  those  birds  Dr.  A.  K.  KiHluu", 
AssiHtant  Ornitliolo^ist  of  the  lliiltod  States  Department 
of  Agriculture,  has  fojind  that  uiiietv  per  cent  of  the 
food  of  the  lied-shonldered  Hawk,  coninioidy  called 
"Chicken  Hawk"  or  ''  Hen  Hawk,"  consists  of  injurious 
niaininals  and  insects,  while  two  hundred  castinj^s  of  the 
IJarn  Owl  contained  the  skulls  of  four  hundred  and  fifty- 
four  small  mammals,  no  less  than  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  of  these  hein;;;  skulls  of  the  destructive  field  or  meadow 
mouse. 

Still,  these  hirds  are  not  only  not  protected,  but  in 
some  States  a  price  is  actually  set  ui)on  their  heads! 
Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam,  Oi-inthologist  and  ^[annnaloiifist 
of  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture,  has 
estimated  that  in  offering  a  bounty  on  Hawks  and  Owls, 
which  resulted  in  the  killing  of  over  one  hundred  thou- 
sand of  these  hirds,  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  sustained  a 
loss  of  nearly  four  million  dollars  in  one  year  and  a  half! 

As  destroyers  of  the  seeds  of  harmful  plants,  the  good 
done  by  birds  can  not  be  overestimated.  Fi'om  late  fall 
to  early  spring,  seeds  form  the  only  food  of  many  birds, 
and  every  kee])er  of  cage-birds  can  real  '"  how  many  a 
bird  may  eat  in  a  day.  Thus,  while  the  Chickadees,  Nut- 
hatches, AVoodpeckers,  and  some  other  winter  birds  are 
ridding  the  trees  of  myriads  of  insects'  eggs  and  larvse, 
the  granivorous  birds  are  reai)ing  a  crop  of  seeds  which, 
if  left  to  germinate,  would  cause  a  heavy  loss  to  our  agri- 
cultural interests. 

As  scavengers  we  understand  that  certain  birds  are  of 
value  to  us,  and  therefore  we  protect  them.  Thus  the 
Vultures  or  Bu/zards  of  the  South  are  |)rotected  both  by 
law  and  public  sentiment,  and  as  a  result  they  are  not 
only  exceedingly  abundant,  but  remarkably  tame.     But 


KCONOMIC   VALUK  UF   lUllDS. 


lur  coin- 
jxluiust- 
,  I'MhIum', 
•iirtiiu'iit 
;  of  tho 
y  called 
njuriourt 
;rt  of  tlio 
iiid  fifty- 

I  twenty- 
•  ineadow 

d,  but  in 
ir  hcivdn! 
iimal()<!;iftt 
turc,  lias 
md  OwIh, 
ii-fd  thou- 
istained  a 
id  IV  half! 
,  the  rjood 

II  late  fall 
my  birds, 
|\v  many  a 
llces,  Ts^nt- 

birds  are 

nd  larvsu, 

Is  wliicli, 

t)ur  agri- 

Irds  are  of 
Tims  the 
1  both  by 
l-v  are  Tiot 
inie.     But 


wo  do  not  realize  that  Gulls  and  some  other  water  birds 
are  also  beneticial  as  scavenjijers  in  t^itiri^  refuse  which, 
if  left  floatinji;  on  the  water,  wonld  often  be  cast  ashore 
to  decay.  Dr.  (ieor^e  V.  (iuiimcr,  of  Yucatan,  tells  me 
that  the  killiM<;of  immense  numbers  of  Herons  and  other 
littoral  birds  iji  ^'ucatan  has  been  followed  by  an  increase 
in  human  mortality  amoiii;  the  inhabitants  of  tin?  coast, 
which  he  is  assurcMl  is  a  direct  result  of  the  destruction  of 
birds  that  formerly  assisted  in  kee|)iii<>'  the  beaches  and 
bayous  free  from  decayinjj;  animal  matter. 

Lack  of  space  fijrbids  an  adecpiate  treatment  of  this 
subject,  but  reference  to  the  works  and  papers  menti(»ne(l 
below*  will  support  the  statement  that,  if  we  were  de- 
prived of  the  services  of  birds,  the  earth  would  soon 
become  uninhabituble. 

Nevertheless,  the  feathered  protectors  of  our  farms 
and  gardens,  plains  and  forests,  recpiire  so  littlo  encour- 
agement from  lis — indeed,  ask  only  tolerance — that  we 
accept  their  services  imicli  as  we  do  the  air  we  breathe, 
AVe  may  be  in  debt  to  them  past  reckoning,  and  still  be 
unaware  of  their  existence. 

But  to  appreciate  the  beauty  of  form  and  i)lnmage  of 

*  Notes  on  Iho  Xiituro  of  tho  Food  of  the  Birds  of  Xcbrnskn.  by 
S.  Auglioy;  First  Aiimnil  Uoport  of  tlio  riiitcd  Stiitcs  !']iitoiii()li)j,'icul 
roiiiinission  for  llic  Yi'iir  1877.  ApptMidix  ii,  pp.  1.3-02.  Tho  Food  of 
Minis.  l)y  S.  A.  Forbes ;  Muijftin  No.  t?,  Illinois  State  Laboriitory  of 
Xatnnd  History.  IHSO.  pp.  80-14H.  Tlio  Ticfrnlative  Action  of  iJinis 
upon  Insect  Oscillations,  by  .S.  A.  Forbes,  ibid..  Unllet in  No.  6,  IKS:?, 
pp.  li-.l'J.  Fcononiic  Relations  of  Wisconsin  Hirds.  by  F.  11.  Kinj;; 
Wisconsin  (ieolo>;ical  Survey,  vol.  i.  1S82.  pp.  4-ll-(ilO.  Heport  on  tho 
Birds  of  Pennsylvaiua.  with  Special  Reference  to  the  Food  Habits, 
based  on  over  Four  Thousand  Stonuich  FiXandnations,  by  B.  II.  War- 
ren ;  Ilarrisburj;,  F.  K.  Meyers.  State  Printer.  larp>  Svo.  pp.  4:i4.  plates 
100.  The  l']nj;lisli  Sparrow  in  North  Anu'rica,  especially  in  its  Rela- 
tion to  ALrriculture,  preijared  uiuler  the  Direction  of  ('.  Hart  IMerriani, 
by  Walter  B.  Bai'rows ;  Bulletin  No.  1.  Division  of  Kconoinic  Orni- 
thology and  Manunalogy  of  tlie  Uiuted  States  Department  of  Agricul- 


I   i! 


ij 


I'M  ■<      ' 

I 


I 


10 


AESTHETIC  RELATIONS  OP  BIRDS. 


birds,  tlieir  grace  of  motion  and  niusical  powers,  we  must 
know  tlicni.  Tlien,  too,  we  will  be  attracted  by  their 
high  mental  development,  or  what  I  liave  elsewliere 
sp(jken  of  as  "their  human  attributes,  Man  exhibits 
hardly  a  trait  which  he  will  not  find  reUccti'd  in  the  life 
of  a  bird.  Love,  hate  ;  courage,  fear ;  anger,  pleasure ; 
vanity,  modesty ;  virtue,  vice;  constancy,  fickleness ;  gen- 
erositv,  seltislmess;  wit,  curiosity,  memory,  reason — we 
may  find  them  all  exhibited  in  the  lives  of  birds.  JJirds 
have  thus  become  symbolic  of  certain  human  character- 
istics, and  the  more  coimnon  species  are  so  interwoven  in 
our  art  and  literature  that  by  name  at  least  they  are 
known  to  all  of  ns." 

The  sight  of  a  bird  or  the  sound  of  its  voice  is  at  all 
times  an  event  of  such  signiticance  to  me,  a  source  of 
such  unfailing  pleasure,  that  when  1  go  aiield  with  those 
to  whom  birds  are  strangers,  I  am  deeply  impressed  by 
the  comparative  barrenness  of  their  world,  foi-  they  live 
in  ignorance  of  the  gi-eat  store  of  enjoyment  which  might 
be  theirs  for  the  asking. 

I  count  each  day  memorable  that  brought  me  a  new 
friend  among  the  birds.  It  was  an  event  to  be  recorded 
in  detail.     A  creature  which,  up  to  that  jnoment,  existed 

ture.  1889.  The  Hawks  and  Owls  of  the  United  States  in  their  Rola- 
tion  to  A<;rieultiire.  prepared  under  the  Direction  of  ('.  Hart  Mer- 
riiun,  by  A.  K.  Fisiier;  Fiulletin  Xo.  ;i,  ihi,'.,  ISiC}.  Tlie  Coninion 
Crow  oF  tlie  United  States,  liy  Waller  15.  liarrt  ws  and  I'L  A.  Schwarz; 
Mullet  ill  Xo.  0,  ibid.,  I8!(.").  Preliminary  Reiort  on  the  Food  of 
Woodpeckers,  by  F,  E.  L.  Heal:  iiullelin  Xo.  T.  ibid..  1895.  (See  also 
other  papers  on  the  food  of  birds  in  the  Animal  Report  and  Year- 
book of  the  United  States  l)e()artnient  of  Ajjriculture.)  Hirds  as 
Protectors  of  Orchards,  by  K.  11.  Foriaish  ;  Pulletiii  Xo.  ;}.  Massachu- 
setts State  Board  of  Atrricullure.  18!).").  pp.  '.iO-lW.  The  Crow  wi  Mas- 
sachusetts, by  E.  H.  Forbush;  MuUetin  Xo.  4.  ibid..  lS9fi.  How 
Birds  afTeet  tin;  Farm  and  (iarden.  by  I'^ioreiice  A.  Merriiini ;  re- 
printed from  "  Forest  and  Stream,"  1890,  lOiiio,  })[).  31.  Price,  5 
cents. 


fi,  we  must 

I  by  their 
elsewliere 

II  exliihits 
in  the  life 
,  pleasure ; 
iiess;  ^eu- 
eason — we 
ds.  JJirds 
cliaraeter- 
irwoven  in 
;  they  are 

?e  is  at  all 
source  of 
with  those 
pressed  hy 
1'  they  live 
lich  might 

me  a  new 
e  recorded 
lit,  existed 

ri  their  Rilo- 
'.  Hart  Mor- 
lio  Coininon 
A.  Schwiirz; 
he  Food  of 
1.5.  (See  iilso 
rt  !iiul  Yi'iir- 
'.)  Hirds  as 
;},  ;\IiissiU'hu- 
row  ill  Mas- 
181)0.  How 
[crriam ;  ro- 
51.    Price,  5 


.-./^-; 


<  *, 


■T^>f 


i 

I 


as 


i  if 


'I 

i 


li 


'  n 


.■Roi'ii-'- 1    '  -,1  ■  i '''  '<:^  -'W  u:i'i^s, 


,      ;.    '  ;;')  - 

■  i,;.-y  (iii'i  '  i..  >■ 
;.'iv*-     ^'       '■'...-,,. 

•  !';■   •  :•'    ■!'  .,    ',-:.- 
^  ■■,  .    .         -.1    ,  ■ 
■  i  . . 

.ii"  •     .•      •  •-.  ' 


,..  •  Ai^li'      ■■\!i!l.!r 

'  r        :•.  •.'■,  ]•  V  !-!  ; I' : 
.  •  ,    ;..   •'.■':.':-^;   jr., 


' .  ;•■,";' OVI  . 

;    ] 

!i        * 

■     h.-v 

m 

0 

■.  a 

•'1 

li 

■-',  (i;- 

' 

.r  • 

■    - ' 

11, 

■,:■'■:   I.      .„■ 

'la;!   M.  ,- 


I 


(  .<"• ,.  ) '■  i- 

;,.-■.■  0.  i' 

...    I'.i-a- 

••\'t)Vi  .1    Ml       ^ 
iirv     lUO 

^  lit  ;iU 

.  m-  <   ■•'> 


■t   ''.]■ 


>,«;i-v. 


,•,1   \>  ■■•• 


Plate  IV.  Pages  80,  88. 

HERRING  GULL. 
Length,  24*00  inches.     Adult,  back  and  wiufirt  pearl-jji'ay;  end  of  primaries 
mariced  witli  black;  rest  of  plumaj^o  wiiite.     Voiini^,  dark  grayish,  priniarioe 
and  tail  brownish  black. 

PETRKLS. 
Length,  7-50  inches.    Black,  upper  tail-coverta  white. 


^gBmjB 


f    ! 


ESTHETIC  RELATIONS  OF  BIRDS. 


11 


for  me  only  as  a  name,  now  became  an  inhabitant  of  mji 
woods,  a  part  of  my  life.  With  what  a  new  interest  I 
got  dowii  my  books  again,  eagerly  reading  every  item 
concerning  this  new  friend ;  its  travels,  habits,  and  notes ; 
com]>aring  the  observations  of  others  with  what  were 
now  my  own  ! 

The  study  of  birds  is  not  restricted  to  any  special  sea- 
son. Some  species  are  always  with  us.  Long  after  the 
leaves  have  fallen  and  the  fields  are  bare  and  brown, 
when  insect  voices  are  hushed,  and  even  some  mammals 
are  sleeping  their  winter  sleep,  the  cheery  J  uncos  flit 
about  our  doorstep,  the  White-throats  twitter  eozily  from 
the  evergreens.  Tree  Sparrows  chatter  gayly  over  their 
breakfast  of  seeds,  and  Crows  are  calling  from  the  woods. 
Birds  are  the  only  living  creatures  to  be  seen ;  what  a 
sense  of  companionship  their  presence  gives ;  how  deso- 
late the  earth  would  se  ■■.■■.  without  them  ! 

The  ease  with  which  we  may  become  familiar  with 
these  feathered  neighbors  of  ours  robs  ignorance  of  all 
excuses.  Once  aware  of  their  existence,  and  we  shall  see 
a  bird  in  every  bush  and  find  the  heavens  their  pathway. 
One  moment  we  may  admire  their  beauty  of  }>lumage, 
the  next  marvel  at  the  ease  and  grace  with  which  they 
dash  by  us  or  circle  high  overhead. 

But  birds  will  appeal  to  us  most  strongly  through 
their  songs.  AVhen  your  ears  are  attuned  to  the  nuisic 
of  birds,  your  world  will  be  transformed.  Birds'  songs 
are  the  most  eloquent  of  Nature's  voices :  the  gay  carol  of 
the  Grosbeak  in  the  morning,  the  dreamy,  midday  call 
of  the  Peweo,  the  vesper  hynm  of  the  Thrush,  the  clang- 
ing of  Geese  in  the  springtime,  the  farewell  of  the  Blue- 
bird in  the  fall — how  clearly  each  one  expresses  the  senti- 
ment of  the  hour  or  season  ! 

Having  learned  a  bird's  language,  you  ex])enence  an 
increased  feeling  of  comradeship  with  it.    You  may  even 


12 


yl'lSTIIHTK!   ItKliATIONS  OK   lUliDS. 


sliiiiT  its  (MiiotioiiH  iiH  yon  Iciini  tliC!  sii:;ni(i(')m('0  of  iis 
notes.  No  one  om  listen  to  the  sonu;  of  tlie  M(i('i\inj:;I)inl 
witiiont  heinji;  in  some  wjiy  iiiVecteil ;  l»nt  in  iiow  niiiny 
lu^iirts  does  the  ///•/■  of  the  nijrht-ll_yi?':ir  IJoholinJv  find  u 
response^  I  never  liem"  it  witiiont  wishing  (lie  hnive 
little  traveler  CJodspeed  on  his  Ion:;'  journey. 

As  tini(>  passi's  yon  will  tind   that   the  sunys  of  hirds 
l»rin_i;-  a  eonstanlly  incri^asinijj  p'.rasnre.    This  is  llu'  resnlt 


of  association. 


Tl 


le 


places   and    |)i'ople 


that 


in.'ike    onr 


world  arc  ever  ('hani>;in<; ;  the  present  slijts  from  ns  with 
<j;rowini>;  rapidity,  hnt  the  hirds  are  (!ver  with  ns. 

The  Holtin  sini^in^  so  cheerily  (Mitside  my  window 
sin<.!;s  not  for  himself  ahaie,  hnt  for  hnndreds  of  liohins  I 
have  known  at  other  times  and  places.  His  s<»n^  recalls 
a  Miirch  i!venin_«>;,  warm  with  tlie  pnnniseof  sprinij;  May 
niorninjfs,  when  all  the  world  seemed  to  riiiij  with  the 
voices  of  hirds;  .Innedays,  when  cherries  were  ripeniiii;; 
the  winter  snidit  forests  of  Florida,  and  even  the  snow- 
capped snnnnit  of  ijlorions  I*o))ocate|)etl.  And  so  it  is 
with  other  hirds.  We  may,  it  is  trne,  Iimvc  knowti  them 
for  years,  hut  they  have  not  cliMni»i'd,  and  their  familiar 
notes  nnd  appearance  en('onraii;e  the  i)leasant  self-delusion 
tliiit  we  too  are  the  sinne. 

Th(>  slender  sa])lin<;s  of  earlier  years  now  give  widc- 
spreadiny;  sh;>do,  the  si'i'uhhy  ])asture  lot  has  hecome  a 
dense  woodland.  I'oyhood's  friends  are  hoys  no  lo'iger, 
and,  worst  of  all,  there  has  aj>])eared  another  ji;eneration 
of  hoys  whose  presence  is  discouray-inj::  proof  that  for  us 
youth  lias  past.  Then  some  May  morniniij  we  liear  the 
Wood  Thrush  sino-.  Hms  he,  too,  chiing-ed  ^  Not  one 
note,  and  as  his  silvery  voice  rings  througli  the  woods 
we  are  young  again.  No  fountain  of  youtli  could  he 
more  potent.  A  hundred  incidents  of  the  long  ago  be- 
come as  real  as  tliose  (»f  yesterday.  And  here  we  have 
the  secret  of  youth  in  age  wliioh  every  venerable  natural- 


Li  'i 


yl<:STIlF/ri(!    IlKLATIONS  (>V   BIRDS. 


13 


<\('C  of  ilfi 
K'kiii^ltinl 
low  iiiMiiy 
iiilv  iiiid  ii 
(lio  brave 


VK  <»i'  1  tin  Is 
llm  result 
niiilsc  our 
>u\  us  with 
s. 

ly  window 
r'  Robins  I 
)n«;'  rcciiilrt 
•inn-;   May 
>j;  with  tho 
riponiuij;; 
the  snow- 
lid  so  it  is 
)wn  them 
r  faiMiMar 
i'-dehision 


•; 


.; 


ist  I  have  ever  mot  lias  convinoiniijly  illustratcMh  I  could 
naino  iioarly  u  dozen,  Mvin^  and  dead,  whom  it  lias  hoeu 
my  valued  ju'iviiej'e  to  l<now.  All  had  passed  the  allottfsd 
threescore  and  ten,  and  some  were  over  fourscore.  The 
friends  and  associates  of  their  earlier  days  had  passed 
away,  and  one  mii>lit  ima<^ine  that  they  had  no  interest 
in  life  and  were  simply  waitin<jf  for  the  end. 

Ihit  thcsi!  vciterans  were  old  in  years  only.  Their 
hearts  were  youiifjf.  The  earth  was  fair;  plants  still 
bloomed,  and  birds  san^  for  them.  There  was  no  idle 
waitiiijjj  here  ;  the  days  were  all  too  short.  With  what 
boyish  ardor  they  told  of  some  recent  discovery  ;  what 
inspiration  there  was  in  their  enthusiasm  ! 

So  I  say  to  you,  if  you  wouhl  reap  the  purest  i)leas- 
ures  of  youth,  manhood,  and  old  a<i;c,  ^o  to  the  birds  and 
throu_ij;h  them  be  brought  within  the  ennobling  intluences 
of  Nature. 


jive  wide- 

bi'come  a 

lo  lo'iger, 

•('lu'ration 

lat  for  us 

hear  the 

Not  one 

he  woods 

could  be 

ago  be- 

we  liave 

iiatural- 


i 


i 


'i  '! 


i     '»• 


; 


CHAPTER   ir. 

THE  LIVING   I3IKD. 

Fdctoi'fi  of  Erolntio)), — If  wliilo  in  the  fields  we  oh- 
serve  hinls  with  an  appreciative  eve,  we  sliall  soon  he 
impressed  with  the  <^reat  diversity  shown  in  their  strnc- 
ture  and  hal)its.  Tlie  Fish  llawk  phini!:es  from  the  air 
into  the  water  and  grasps  its  prey  with  merciless  talons. 
The  Ilunnninghird  daintily  i)rol)e8  a  flower.  The  Wood- 
])ecker  climhs  an  npnght  trnnk,  ])ro})s  itself  with  its 
stiff,  pointed  tail-feathers,  while  with  its  chisel-shaped 
bill  it  excavates  a  <>;rnh  and  then  inii)ales  it  with  its 
spearlike  tongue.     These  birds  tell  us  ix  wonderful  story 


Fi(i.  2.— End  of  spenrlikc  toiiirue  of  Pilcnted  AVoodpockor.     fMupli  enlavacd.) 

of  adaptation  to  the  conditions  of  life,  and,  knowiiii;  'hat 
they  have  descended  from  a  common  ancestor,  we  ask, 
"Why  do  they  now  diifer  so  widely  from  one  another'^" 
I'ioloo-ists  the  world  over  are  trying  to  satisfactorily 
answer  this  (piestion,  and  it  is  impossible  for  me  to 
even  mentioi'  here  all  the  theories  which  they  have 
advanced.  However,  some  knowledge  of  the  most  im- 
])ortant  ones  is  essential  if  yon  would  study  the  relation 
between  the  bird  and  its  haunts  aiu^  ha1>!ts.  The  Dar- 
win-AV^allaee  theorv  of  Natui-al  Seleei  on,  in  more  or  less 

14 


ielda  wo  ob- 

e 

liill  soon  be 

i 

tlieir  struc- 

m 

ntiii  the  air 

ip 

'iless  talons. 

,  J 

The  Wood- 

1 

elf  with   its 

- 

lisel-shaped 

it  with    its 

derful  story 

.  ^'rr  •  i 


'^■;'!o.. 


'*'*::ji.. 


•"%■{ 


.W-* 


^^1 


UV"^'».-vv7^ 


Inch  enlarged.) 

lowini;  'hat 

or,  M-e  ask, 

another  > " 

itisfactorily 

for  me   to 

; 

they   have 

1 

?  most  ini- 

^s 

"he  relation 

1 

The  Diir- 

lore  or  less 

_-> 

■''.'.' 


i 


I: 
I 


'i         « 


u 


.(.. 


I 


^ 


Plate  V. 


1  WOOD  Dl'CK. 

2  PINTAIL. 

3  MALLARD. 


4  5 

4  GREEN-AVIXGED  TEAL. 

5  BLUE-WINGED  TEAL. 

6  CANADA  GEESE. 


Page  89. 


K VOLUTION   OF  mUDH. 


16 


modified  forms,  \h  uccejjtcd  l»y  most  niitunillstK.  As 
orijjji  .iilly  juvsciitcd,  it  iiskuhumI  lliut  tin;  ('((iitimu'd  oxist- 
ctico  of  iiiiy  iininml  (I(>|umi(|(>(I  upon  its  udapttitiun  to  its 
iiminiLM"  of  life.  AiiKtiijjj  ii  Itirj^c  iiiiinl)i;r  of  individuals 
tlicrc  is  inucli  variiitioii  in  si/x',  form,  and  color.  Some 
of  tlit'se  variations  iiii<;lit  prove  favorable,  otliers  iinfa- 
v(»ral»le.  Those  which  were  fav(iral»!e  would  irive  to  the 
individual  possessing:;  them  an  advantage  over  its  fell(»ws, 
and,  hy  what  is  termed  Ndtnnil  S,l,'<-tl(,ii^  it  would  he 
preserved  and  its  favorable  cluiracters  transmitted  t<»  its 
descendants.  But  tlje  less  fortunate  individuals,  which 
lacked  the  favorable  variation,  w<»uld  be  handit^apped  in 
the  race  for  life  and  be  less  likely  to  survive. 

Without  necessarily  opp(»sin^  this  the(»ry,  tlie  folluw- 
ers  of  Darwin's  predecessor,  l^amarck,  attach  m(»re  im- 
portance to  tiie  direct  action  of  c  iviromnent  on  the  ani- 
mal— that  is,  the  iidluence  of  climate,  food,  and  habit. 
The  effect  of  the  first  two  I  will  speak  of  in  treating  of 
color;  the  last  we  may  use  to  illustrate  the  ditference  in 
these  two  theories  by  asking  the  (piestion,  "Is  habit  <lue 
to  structure,  or  is  structure  the  result  of  habit  if"  Has 
Nature,  acting  through  natural  selection,  preserved  those 
variations  which  would  best  lit  a  bird  to  occu|)y  its 
place  in  the  world,  and  are  its  habits  the  outcome  of 
the  characters  thus  ac(|nired,  or  have  the  changes  which 
during  the  ages  have  occurred  in  a  bird's  home,  forcing 
it  to  alter  its  habits,  been  followed  by  some  eonse(|uent 
change  its  structure,  the  result  of  use  or  of  disuse  'i  For 
my  ])art,  T  answer  "  Yes"  to  both  questions,  and  turn  to 
our  stiff-tailed,  spear-tongued  Woodpecker  to  explain 
my  reply.  I  can  readily  understand  how  the  shape  of 
these  tail-feathers  is  the  result  of  habit,  for  the  same  or 
similar  structure  exists  among  many  birds  having  no 
close  relationship  to  one  another,  but  all  of  which  agree 
in  their  peculiar  use  of  the  tail  as  a  prop ;  the  Creep- 


imWillilBW 


16 


EVOLUTION  OF  BIRDS. 


!   ■: 


t. 


ers,  Woodhewers,  and  Swifts,  even  some  Finches  and 
the  Jjobolink,  that  use  their  tail  to  support  theui  when 
perched  on  swaying  reeds,  have  the  feathers  more  or 
less  pointed  and  stilfened.  Furthermore,  this  is  just  the 
result  we  should  expect  from  a  habit  of  tliis  kind.     But 


Fio.  .3.— Tip  of  tail  '^f  (a)  T")o\viiy  Woodpecker  iiiul  of  ('>)  Rrown  Cropper,  to 
show  ttie  iHiiiited  sliai)o  in  tails  of  croepiug  birds  of  diUureiit  families. 
(Natural  size.) 

I  do  not  understand  how  the  AYood  pecker's  spear-tipped 
tont.',ue  could  have  .'csulted  from  the  habit  of  impaling 
grubs,  and  in  this  case  I  should  be  iuclinod  to  regard 
structure  as  due  to  a  natural  selection  which  has  pre- 
served favorable  variations  in  the  form  of  this  organ, 

I  have  not  space  to  discuss  this  subject  more  fully, 
but  trust  that  enough  has  been  said  to  so  convince  vou 
of  the  significance  of  habit,  that  when  you  see  a  bird  in 
tl'.e  bush  it  will  not  seem  a  mere  automaton,  but  in  each 
movement  will  give  you  evidence  of  a  nice  adjustment 
to  its  surroundi/igs.  Remember,  too,  that  evolution  is  a 
thing  of  the  present  as  well  as  of  the  past.  AVe  may  not 
be  able  to  read  the  earlier  pages  in  the  nistory  of  a  sjiecies, 
but  the  record  of  to-day  is  open  to  us  if  we  can  learn  to 
interpret  it. 

Tills  may  be  made  dearer,  and  the  importance  of  a 
study  of  habit  be  emphasized,  if  I  briefly  outline  the  rela- 
tion between  the  wings,  tail,  feet,  and  bill  of  birds  and 
the  manner  in  which  they  are  used.  AVe  are  in  the  field, 
not  in  the  dissecting  room;  our  instrument  is  a  field  glass, 
not  a  scalpel,  and  in  learning  the  functions  of  these  four 


I 


i 


FORM  AND   HABIT:  THE  WING. 


17 


dies  and 
em  when 
more  or 
s  just  the 
nd.     But 


11  Cri'opiT,  to 
runt  liiiiiilios. 


ear-tipped 
impaling 
to  regard 
1  has  pre- 
organ. 
ore  fully, 
vince  you 
a  hird  in 
t  in  each 
Ijustment 
ntion  is  a 
may  not 
a  species, 
learn  to 

Imce  of  a 
the  rela- 
liirds  and 
I  the  Held, 
[eld  glass, 
Ihese  four 


organs  we  shall  direct  our  attention  to  their  external  form 
rather  than  their  internal  structure. 

The  Win  (J. — Birds'  wings  are  primarily  organs  of 
locomotion,  hut  they  are  also  used  as  weapons,  as  musical 
instraments,  in  expressing  emotion,  and  they  are  some- 


Fiii.  4.— Youiijjr  Ildiitziii,  sliowingf  use  of  hooked  fingers  in  elimbing.    (After 

Lucas.) 

times  the  seat  of  sexual  adornment.  As  an  organ  of  loco- 
motion the  wing's  most  primitve  use  is  douhtless  for 
climhing.  (rallinules,  for  instance,  have  a  small  spur  on 
the  wrist  or  "bend  of  the  wing,"  and  the  young  hirds 
use  it  to  assist  their  jirogress  among  the  reeds.  A  more 
striking  instance  of  this  nature  is  shown  by  that  suigular 
South  American  bird,  the  Iloatzin  {Opldhoeomus  oris- 


18 


FORM  AND  HABIT:  THE  WING. 


I-  ( 


tatus).  The  young  of  this  bird  have  well-developed  claws 
on  the  thumb  and  first  finger,  and  long  before  they  can 
fly  they  use  them  as  aids  in  clambering  about  the  bushes, 
very  much  as  we  may  imagine  the  Archaeopteryx  did. 
In  the  adult  these  claws  are  wantino:. 

Some  eminently  aquatic  birds,  as  Grebes  and  Pen- 
guins, when  on  land,  may  use  their  wings  as  fore  legs  in 
scrambling  awkwardly  along  ;  while  some  flightless  birds, 
for  example,  the  Ostrich,  spread  their  wings  when  run- 
ning. 

But  let  us  consider  the  wing  in  its  true  office,  that  of 
an  organ  of  flight,  showing  its  range  of  variation,  and 

finally  its  degradation  into 
a  flightless  organ.  Among 
flying  birds  the  spread 
wings  measure  in  extent 
from  about  three  inches  in 
the  smallest  Hummingbird 
to  twelve  or  fourteen  feet 
in  the  AVandering  Albatross.  The  relation  between 
shape  of  wing  and  style  of  flight  is  so  close  that  if  you 
show  an  ornithologist  a  bird's  wing  he  can  generally 
tell  you  the  character  of  its  owner's  flight.  The  ex- 
tremes are  shown  by  the  short-winged  ground   birds, 


Fig.  5. — Short,  rounded  wiuir  and  larjxo 
foot  of  Little  Ulaek  Kail,  a  terres- 
trial bird.    (3/5  natural  Hi/.e.) 


Fio.  6. — Long,  pointed  wing  and  small  foot  of  Tree  Swallow,  an  a5rial  bird. 

(Vs  natural  size.) 


!( 


such  as  Bail,  Quail,  Gronse,  certain  Sparrows,  etc.,  and 
long-winged  birds,  like  the  Swallows  and  Albatrosses. 
There  is  here  a   close  and,  for  the   ground-inhabiting 


i; 


** 


'^m- 


'J  J 


.^ 


.-,3:  <■ 


¥ 


n  aCrittl  bird. 


ltyi.V.*>.')Ti^''Oj^^l^T'.>»'**^:     '■T"       *    .       j^ 


.■«B^n.: 


IV;  v.j:  (M.ovrM;!)  night  ukron. 

r,'ir'  'S.i    AVI.     \l>ir.T.) 
'  i.'^  "-yr-,  -'  ,      :i  in  A'i.) 
T  Hf  TK  HF.UUN 


I 


18 


\   f-:j;:e    \Si^    HVIUT;    TllK    WISH. 


I 


l)\    .  ..1  * 


<'n  till   r!;',i.-.  •'    .   ,:    :    .•    .■inL'''r,  ji::-i    .>nij  horore  tlu'j  civti 

:v«  ftiic^  ill  :'i;>.t:»]n:ri^x.>  Ji!w)iii;  the  Ijllglies, 

A(i\  is!ia.riT.c    r-.,     a  r.-lnvjupteryx  (li<i. 

;^^^.>.   are    A'Hi'lj'i. 
■"        ■       •  ••<•■'■      ''jiJati*'     nifir.      .-    Wrc!>t'S    a!iil     P.Ml-  ■ 

''''■''■'■■      ■    -    J,-    '■■'  '.  -uHii^  :    .  ■  ,'.i  i.,:;  u^  tn^^lt I !(.'.->>!  Mivls, 

t'.'f"    '  •     .'i;  f.  ,   '!  "   i'M  1...   SftlV.'-       (ii^-  •      .  i'lifS    \V"i|<!T?    rUM- 

•  v.-  '.■,    '.!  ii.-j    :    ■    .>tiici:,  rhut  o)' 
;    v(,.  ,.  li,,.  ',     ruiiiic     '    vT.-iHtiori,   unA 

■  ■■.■i\\\  ir-  t?..frh.l)!tioii  into 

^^     ,,^      ^^,.,    'y-^i-     ''iril:-     ti'v     ^proiui   ■ 

-     ""       uiiij;-      )v><Mifv    in    t:sit'nt. 

■  ,   -.  ^ . ,,.   fni?!     '■'  •■•:  ii.rt'i'.  ijv'hes  in 

'  Tiif  ».,-n'.'  ■ '  f  if  ,irnnii[i^»liinl 

'  )  twf?-       •?-   /i  ;u'fi't'i!  feet 

'•. ■■•_•-?         \ '''     ;t'f:-'*,ii-'i    ii;>(>\e(^Ti 

'1    .',:jiit    i>  ->  '  ^.^;I(    sljut    r  V');J 

•  .'.-    ii','.  iht'.-'  ,  l'i;i.;        i  '<■•■  <.'  •,  ■• 

"i.     -!    »li-V>l:J;^V«l      U;i'OUll'l      iiii".!-, 


11  nil- 


truti  Inf. 
■'■A    !)u:     \\  .:■     -    ■  . 

'-hlj  ?■!'    I  'f    Vi  ;  I. ;;  ;. 

■^ii.>W     !(tl      (»'.(. !(:ij„    (,-■ 

tci!     -.on    -  '.■   ■  .      -r.s 


■w 


>'>-J;-  3., 


>iJ\- 


'.VMiU'^vf   ,)H  ;.t'''.:i:  iiini. 


•   ■■'KIM 


A  AX-    i- 


■  •  >    iir'.'i     A  ili,'(fr"S-«  ^,. 
;,'r.  ;,M  ■!  iiilM'.itini'' 


}  tlu'y  rail 
he  !)H6lies, 
tcrvx  tliil. 


ore  li'irs  ill 


[  k'n^; 


Itinll: 


viion  run- 


that  of 


itiiwi,  inid 
hitioii  into 
.     Amioiiij: 


!Jr 


■hv>  in 


liir<l 


•■''*"  II  t'et't 

Ht    f  yo;i 

•■cru'caily 

...   < . ,  .. 


.  ..  ;i!,ii 
■  l'<  ■^'•■^:f^. 
riitiri;'~ 


Plate  VI. 

LITTLE  GREEN  HERON. 
{Length,  ly-oo  inches.) 


Page  90. 
BLACK-CROWNED  NIGHT  HERON. 

(YouNo  AND  Adult.) 
{Length,  24-00  inches.) 
GREAT  BLUE  HERON. 
{Length,  45-00  inches.) 


'00' 


FORM  AND  HABIT:  THE  WING. 


19 


birds,  important  relation  between  form  and  habit. 
Many  terrestrial  species  rely  on  their  dull,  protective 
covering  to  escape  observation,  taking  wing  only  when 
danger  is  so  near  that  it  is  necessary  for  them  to  get 
under  way  at  once.  Consecjuently,  Quail,  Partridges, 
and  Grouse,  much  to  the  amateur  sportsman's  discom- 
fiture, sjiring  from  the  ground  as  though  thrown  from 
a  catapult,  and  reach  their  highest  speed  within  a  few 
yards  of  the  starting  point,  while  the  Albatross  is  obliged 
to  face  the  wind  and  run  some  distance  over  the  ground 
or  water  before  slowly  lifting  itself  into  the  air.  There, 
however,  it  can  remain  for  hours  or  even  days  without 
once  alighting. 

The  Frigate  Bird,  or  Man-o'-War  Bird,  has  a  body 
scarcely  larger  than  that  of  a  chicken,  but  its  tail  is  one 
foot  and  a  half  in  length,  and  its  wings  measure  seven  to 


Fio.  7.— Frigate  Bird.    (ExpanHO  of  -.vings,  7  to  8  foet.) 

eight  feet  in  extent.  Having  this  enormous  spread  of 
sail,  its  flight  is  more  easy  and  graceful  than  that  of  any 
living  bird.  I  have  seen  hundreds  of  these  birds  floating 
in  the  air,  facing  the  wind,  without  apparent  change  of 
position  or  the  movement  of  a  pinion,  for  long  intervals 
of  time. 

From  this  extreme  development  of  the  wing  as  a 
flight-organ,  let  us  turn  to  those  birds  who  have  not 
the  power  of  flight.  The  Ostrich,  Rhea,  Emu,  and 
Cassowary  are  familar  representatives  of  this  group.  It 
is  generally  believed  that  these  birds  have  lost  the  power 


'    i 


20 


FOUM  AND  HABIT:  THE  WING. 


1 


f  fi  :( 


r     .!!■ 


of  flight,  and  tliat  us  tliolr  wings,  through  disuse,  hecame 
functionless,  tlioir  running  powers  correspondingly  in- 
creased. Tliis,  however,  is  theory,  but  tliere  are  birds 
which  have  become  flightless  through  some  apparently 
known  cause.  They  nmy  be  found  among  siich  widely 
separated  families  a?  Grebes,  Auks,  Ducks,  Rails,  Gralli- 
nules.  Pigeons,  aiul  Parrots. 

One  of  the  characteristic  water  birds  of  our  North 
Atlantic  coasts  is  the  Razor-billed  Auk.  It  is  a  strictly 
aquatic  species,  nearly  helpless  on  land,  which,  as  a  rule, 
it  visits  only  when  nesting.  Its  egg  is  laid  in  the  crevice 
of  a  rocky  clilf,  frequently  at  some  height  from  the  sea. 
During  the  winter  it  migrates  southward  as  far  as  Long 
Island.  Flight  is  therefore  a  necessary  faculty,  and  we 
ilnd  the  bird  with  well-developed  wings,  which  it  uses 
effectively.  We  can,  however,  imagine  conditions  under 
which  it  would  not  be  necessary  for  the  Razor-bill  to 
fly.  It  might  become  a  permanent  resident  of  isolated 
islands,  laying  its  v(rir  on  accessible  beaches.  Already 
an  expert  diver,  obtaining  its  foov  in  the  water,  it  would 
not  be  obliged  to  rise  into  the  air,  and,  as  a  result  of  dis- 
use, the  wings  would  finally  become  too  small  to  support  it 
in  aei'ial  flight,  though  fully  answering  the  purpose  of  oars. 

Apparently  this  is  what  has  happened  in  the  case  of 
the  Razor-billed  Auk's  relative,  the  flightless,  extinct 
(Ireat  Auk.  The  Razor-bill  is  sixteen  inches  long  and 
its  wing  measures  eight  inches,  while  the  Great  Auk, 
with  a  length  of  thirty  inches,  has  a  wing  only  five  and 
three  fourths  inches  in  length.  Aside  from  this  differ- 
ence in  measurements  these  birds  closely  resemble  each 
other.  So  far  as  we  are  familiar  with  the  Great  Auk's 
habits,  they  agreed  with  those  of  the  hypothetical  case  I 
have  just  mentioned,  and  we  are  Avarranted,  I  think,  in 
assuming  that  the  bird  lost  the  power  of  flight  through 
disuse  of  its  wings. 


FORM   AND   llAlilT:  TIIK   WING. 


21 


e,  became 
lingly  in- 
ure birds 
ppareiitly 
ii\i  widely 
lils,  Gralli- 

)ur  North 

I  a  strictly 
as  a  rule, 
lie  crevice 

II  the  sea, 
ir  as  Long 
y,  and  we 
I'll  it  uses 
ons  under 
zor-bill  to 
)f  isolated 

Already 

',  it  would 

ult  of  dis- 

support  it 

(se  of  oars. 

le  case  of 

extinct 

long  and 

■eat  Auk, 

five  and 

lis  dilfer- 

nble  each 

eat  Auk's 

cal  case  I 

think,  in 

t  through 


In  antarctic  seas  we  lind  the  arctic  Auks  replaced 
by  the  Penguins,  a  group  in  which  all  the  members  are 
flightless.      They  are  possessed    of   remarkable   aquatic 


Fi(i.  8.--CJreat  Auk,  showinnr  relutively  sniall  wing.    (Length  of  bird,  30 
inclies ;  of  wing,  r)'75  inclics.; 

p(  vers,  and  can,  it  is  said,  outswim  even  fish.  They 
nest  only  on  isolated  islands,  where  they  are  not  exposed 
to  the  attack  of  predaceous  mammals. 

Among  Grebes  and  Ducks  we  have  illustrations  of 
the  way  in  which  swimming  birds  may  become  teinpo- 
rarilv  flightless.  With  most  land-inhaljiting  birds  fliu;ht 
is  so  important  a  faculty  that  any  injury  to  the  wings  is 
apt  to  result  fatally.  It  is  necessary,  therefore,  that 
tlie  power  of  flight  shall  not  be  impaired.  Conse- 
quently, when  molting,  the  wing-feathers  are  shed 
slowly  and  symmetrically,  from  the  middle  of  the  wing 
both  inwardly  and  ^  itwardly ;  the  new  feathers  ap- 
pear so  quickly  that  at  no  time  are  there  more  than 
two  or  three  quills  missing  from  either  wing.     But  the 


ii 


'  i' 


[I 


\  • 

<  ■ 
»  ■ 

■   » 


22 


FORM  AND   IIAIUT:  THE  WINO. 


iKiimtic  Grebes  and  DiickK,  pi.-teeted  by  the  nature  of 
their  haunts  and  liabits,  lose  all  their  Avin^-t'eathers  at 
once,  and   are   tiightless   until    their   new  plumage  has 


trrown. 


It  might  then  be  sujiposed  tliat  permanently  tlightless 
forms  would  be  found  among  the  (Jrebes  and  Ducks. 
But  these  birds  are  generally  migratory,  or,  if  resident, 
they  usually  iidiaiiit  bodies  of  fresh  water  where  local 
conditions  or  droughts  may  so  atfect  the  food  supply  that 
change  of  residence  would  become  necessary.  However, 
on  Lake  Titicaca,  Peru,  tln're  actually  is  a  (trebe  which 
has  lived  there  long  enough  to  have  lost  the  use  of  its 
wings  as  thght-organs. 

liails  are  such  ground-lovers,  and  fly  so  little,  that  we 
should  expect  to  flu  flightless  forms  among  liiem  wlieu 
the  surroundings  were  favorable  for  the'r  development. 
Ill  Xew  Zealand,  that  island  of  so  many  flightless  birds, 
the  re(piirements  aro  evidently  fulfllled,  and  we  have  the 
flightless  AVood  liens.  Here,  too,  lives  the  flightless 
Galliiude,  iVotoniia,  and  in  this  family  of  Gallinules, 
birds  not  unlike  Coots,  there  are  at  least  four  flightless 
species  inhabiting  islands — one  in  the  INIoluccas,  one  in 
Samoa,  one  on  Tristan  d'Acunha,  and  one  on  (xough 
Island.  The  last  two  islands  are  about  flfteen  hundred 
mil  3s  from  Cajie  Good  Hope,  and  have  evidently  never 
been  connected  with  a  continent.  Tliere  seems  little 
reason  to  doubt,  therefore,  that  the  ancestors  of  the 
Gallinules  now  inhabiting  these  islands  reached  them 
by  the  use  of  their  wings,  and  that  these  organs  have 
since  become  too  small  and  weak  to  sujjport  their  owners 
in  the  air.  Other  cases  might  be  cited  ;  for  instance, 
the  Dodo  of  Mauritius  among  Pigeons,  and  the  Kakapo 
{Striiujops)  of  New  Zealand  among  Parrots;  but  if  tlie 
illustrations  already  given  have  not  convinced  yon  that 
disuse   of   the  wings  may    result   in    loss   of   flight,  let 


~^y-  •—'•^'- 


1  at  lire  of 
iitliei'H  at 
iiago  luiH 

rtij^IitlesH 
1  DiickH. 
resident, 
icre  local 
pply  that 
lowever, 
:)e  wliicli 
aso  of  its 


..  II 


,  that  we 

em  wlieu 

ilopineiit. 

ess  hirds, 

have  the 

t1iu;litlcs8 

iilliiuiles, 

iji'litless 

*,  one  in 

(longh 

iiiiidred 

y  never 

ns  little 

of   the 

1    them 

ns  have 

owners 

nstance, 

Kakapo 

le 


if  tl 


k)n 


that 
bht,  let 


^■* 


y. 


■A-J 


"w;. 


I 


il 


•f-  fir"    ^1    -•  T^^ 


I,  .1 II I < 


Iv'll 


1      •  i     ,.    Ml 


.TM 


,■    '  Ml 

I 


;,•■'! 


I'l 


I'LVTK  VII.  Packs  ;t;{,   1)4. 

AMKIMCAN  niTTKliX. 

Leiifitli,  2S'00  iiK'lios      A  bhicU  strciik  on  neck;  liody  brown  aiiil  liiitl';  pri- 
iimrios  slato-color. 

SORA. 
Leiij;tli,  s-'tO  ini'lics.     Adult.  \\\\\w\  parts  olivc-lirown,  black,  and  wliito; 
tln-oat  and  face  l)la('k.   bi'cast  slate,  belly  white,   Hanks  black  and  white. 
l'7/«i,%  similar,  but  face,  throtit,  and  breast  white,  washed  with  brownish. 


'l 


*li 


'  f 


ll^ 


>«■ 


I 

I- 


FORM  AND  HABIT:  THE  WING. 


23 


me  take  you  finally  to  the  poultry  yard,  where  in  the 
waddling  Duck  you  will  see  an  undeniable  instance  of 
degeneration. 

As  the  seat  of  sexual  characters  the  wing  is  some- 
times most  singularly  developed  or  adorned.  The  males 
of  the  Argus  Pheasant  and  Pennant-winged  Nightjar 
have  certai)!  feathers  enormously  lengthenetl ;  the  Stand- 
ard-bearer has  white  plumes  growing  from  the  wing ;  and 
there  are  many  other  cases  in  which  the  wing  presents  sex- 
ual characters,  not  alone  thrtnigh  display,  but  also  by 
use  as  a  nuisical  organ.  I  do  not  refer  to  the  whistling 
sound  made  by  the  wings  of  flying  Doves  or  Ducks,  or 
the  humming  of  llunnningbirds,  but  to  sounds  volun- 
tarily produced  by  birds,  and  evidently  designed  to  an- 
swer the  purpose  of  song. 

A  simple  form  of  this  kind  of  "  music  "  is  shown  by 
the  cock  in  clapping  his  wings  before  crowing,  in  the 
"drunnmng"  of  Grouse,  or  in  the  "  booming"  of  Night- 
hawks,  as  with  wings  set  they  dive  from  a  height  earth- 
ward. The  male  Cassique  (O-stiiiops)  of  South  America, 
after  giving  voice  to  notes  which  sound  like  those  pro- 
duced by  chafing  trees  in  a  gale,  leans  far  forward, 
spreads  and  raises  his  large  orange  and  black  tail,  then 
vigorously  claps  his  wings  together  over  his  back,  mak- 
ing a  noise  which  so  resend)les  the  cracking  of  branches 
that  one  imagines  the  birds  learned  this  singular  per- 
formance during  a  gale. 

The  birds  mentioned  thus  far  have  no  especial  wing 
structure  beyond  rnthor  stiffened  feathers;  but  in  the 
Woodcock,  some  Paradise-birds  and  Flycatchers,  (Tuans, 
Pipras,  and  other  tropical  birds,  certain  wing-feathers 
are  singularly  modified  as  nuisical  instruments.  Some- 
times the  outer  primaries  are  so  luirrowed  that  little  but 
the  shaft  or  midrib  is  left,  as  in  both  sexes  of  the  AVood- 
cock,  when  the  rapid  wing-strokes  are  aecomijanied  by  a 


24 


FORM  AND   II ABIT:  THE   WING. 


high,  whistliiiijj  sound.     In  other  cases  the  shafts  of  tlie 
whig-feathers  may  be  much  enlai-ged  and  liorny,  when 

the  bird  makes  a  sin- 
gular snapping  sound 
in  liight. 

If   you    recall   the 
supplicating  manner  of 
"'      a  young  bird  as  with 

Fill.    '.t. — \V  itij;  of  Woodoook,  sliowiii'r  tliivi'.  i      <i     . .      • 

outiT  iiticiumtc  loiitiKTs.    |!/5  iiiitiiiai   gently  tin ttermg  wmgs 

'"''■'^■'  it  begs  for  food,  you 

will  recoi>;nize  one  of  several  ways  in  which  the  winirs 

may  express  emotion.      Birds  also   threaten  with  their 

wings,  as  any  hen  with  chicks  will  testify,  and  from  this 


Fiu.  10. — Juouna,  allowing  spur  on  wins  (natuml  sizo)  luul  elongated  toes  ('/s 

natural  size). 

gesture  to  the  actual  delivery  of  a  blow  is  but  a  step. 
Swans,  Pigeons,  and  Chickens  can  deal  forcible  blows 
witii  their  \vnngs.      Screamers,   Lapwings,  and  Jacanas 


FORM  AND   HABIT:  THE  TAIL. 


25 


a  step, 

blows 

I  acaiias 


:i 


I 


liave  fonnidable  spurs  on  their  wings,  which  they  are 
supi)(>se(l  to  use  in  combat. 

77u'  Tall. — Except  when  sexually  developed,  the 
shape  of  the  tail  is  largely  governed  by  the  character 
of  its  ownei-'s  Hight.     Male  Lyre-birds,  Pheasants,  Fowls, 


Iluniniinirbirds,  and   nii 


my 


others   furnish  well-marked 


instances  of  the  tail  as  a  sexual  character.     Indeed,  as 
the  least  important   to    the   bird    of   the   four   external 


ak 


of,  th 


organs  we  are  speakmg  ot,  tlie  tail  is  more  often  sexually 
modified  than  any  of  the  other  three. 

The  main  office  of  the  tail,  however,  is  mechanical,  to 
act  as  a  rudder  in  liight  and  a  "  balancer  "  when  perch- 
ing. Shoi't-tailed  birds  generally  fly  in  a  straight  course, 
and  can  not  make  sharp  turns,  while  long-tailed  birds  can 
pursue  a  most  erratics  course,  with  marvelous  ease  and 
grace.  The  (Trei)es  ai-e  ])ractically  tailless,  and  their 
flight  is  coinj)aratively  direct,  but  the  Swallow-tailed 
Kite,  with  a  tail  a  foot  or  more  in  length,  can  dash  to 
right  or  left  at  the  most  abrupt  angle. 

Among  tree-creeping  birds,  which  always  clind>  up- 
ward, the  tail  is  used  as  a  brace  or  proj).  This  charactei",  as 
has  been  said,  is  possessed  by  all  AV^ood peckers,  by  the  quite 
( lifferent  AVoodhewers of  South  America,  the  I'rown  ( 'reep- 
ers  of  temperate  regions,  and  other  birds  (see  Figs.  3  and  4). 

The  tvt'o  middle  feathers  in  the  tail  of  the  ]\[otmot, 
of  the  American  tro])ics,  end  in  a  racket-shaped  disk,  the 
result  of  a  uni([ue  habit.  Similarly  shaped  feathers  are 
found  in  the  tails  of  some  llumminglnrds  and  Old  AVorld 
Kingflshers,  but  in  the  Alotmot  this  peculiar  shape  is  due 
to  a  self-inflicted  mutilation.  The  newlv  grown  feathers, 
as  shown  in  the  accompanying  flgure,  lack  the  terminal 
disk,  but  as  soon  as  they  are  grown,  the  birds  hegni  to 
pick  at  the  barbs,  and  in  a  short  time  the  shaft  is  de- 
nuded, in  some  species  for  the  space  of  an  inch,  in  others 

for  as  nmch  as  two  inches. 
6 


ll.' 


I''  )] 


■  I 


26 


FOR:\r  AND  HABIT:   TlIK  TAIL. 


Tliis  singular  habit  is  practiced  by  nunieroiis  species 
of  ]\rotin()ts,  ranging  from  Mexico  tt  Brazil,  It  is  there- 
fore of  untloub*:e(l  age,  and  we  can  only  sj)eculate  n])on 
its  use  and  origin.     Young  birds  from  the  nest,  reared 


w  WW  m 


i\ 


Flo.  n. — Contral   tail-foiitlicrs  of  Motiiiot  ( .Wownfun  .<ii/hrii/(f!('in,i),  slinwiiig 
newly  ^rrnwii  t'cutlicrs  (ut  tlif  lul'ti  iiiul  rcsiilts  nl'si'U'-inHu'tol  iiuitiliitidn. 

in  confinement  where  they  wci-e  isolated  fi'om  others  of 
their  kind,  trinnned  their  tail-feathers  so<m  after  they 
were  grown.* 

The  habit,  therefore,  is  inherited,  but  the  mutilation, 
although  it  has  doubtless  been  ])ractlced  for  countless 
generations,  has  not  become  inherent,  uidess  we  consider 
the  constriction  in  the  vane  of  the  feather  at  the  T)lace 
where  h  is  to  be  trinnned  an  indication  of  inhep     : 

The  ^fotmot  gesticulates  with  its  tail  in  a  ren.  k 

manner,  swinging  it  from  side  to  side,  so  that  it  su^  • 
the  pendulum  of  a  clock,  or  sweeping  it  about  in  circ 
with  a  movement  which  reminds  one  of  a  baiuhpaster 
flourishing  his  baton.  We  shall  find  in  other  s]>ecies, 
also,  that  the  tail,  more  than  any  other  organ,  is  used  to 
e.x  press  emotion,  llecall  its  twitching  and  wagging;  how 
it  is  nervously  spread  or  "jetted,"  showing  The  white 


See  C'liorrio,  The  Auk  (Xow  Y^>rlv  city),  vol.  ix,  1S<n?,  p.  322. 


im 


at  I 


,  i 


"  .1 


.^  ,* 


:m^ 


-l«S; 


/-# 


-?- 


\ 


i-i?-' 


M...^      %■  ■ 


^x^'i 


species, 

lised  to 

;  how 

white 


^ 


l;i'-'2. 


Til'.-    r>i;:>'.ll.H) 


(»t 

■.•lii't'i:' '' 

■.y 

• 

uri'l     :r\^ 

f 

■^ 

\ 

! 

4 

i 

^ 
1 

1 

I 


I 


i  I    CO'-!      ^-iji"'  •      ' 

ill i'-tric  (in!; 

V',  It'  re  ii   i-  t"  if  : 

I'IjiMm  :',  .  ^■.  iii;;!!!;'"  •'    '  ■ 

"'   li  il      .1      II  i<i\'t'!l  iv'lM 

■'\->  .  "iiht  ll(c   tail.  ;;;.  '> 

■    '■  '     "''    -  'T'l   'i  i   •!!  i  »«  •    '  ■ 

■  ■   ^  , , ■  ^  >!i-. ,. ; 


^!'••,  '•■   !  .,;i/.il.      i:  i;-,  'li-  X'- 

.  ,  ;(         ..V  .-•ji.V'lillifi-    U|i;'fl 

■'I,-    f  ;••<.!■    '.lit.    lic-l.  l".M!-"d 


-    f 


,.  f 

\ 

/f 

'  1 

\ 

.  1- 

i     \ 

i--'^ 

\ 

i 

,A 

1 

V     1    t^    a 

'  ;   V  j 


•       1,'   IM'••^       SMi  l;  ,1  ,         ;;         \\\x-\ 

'■'  '    ),  ;">ii   '!.<■  lijiitil;'!  l"ii. 

j   "       )  iy-t;-<j      ;  ■  .      ■(■,.!) '   '       .K 

.     •,         <i    1' |;i-;-    't    t'li       . 
!        's'  ■.'    Mi'  ill!..  '|-;;m.  ■■■ 

•■  i'  li'i   !'(   :'  _ri'l"-."''.,.(t'i 

'A-i".   ■   I   I  !|M.    il    >UUJ''-''- 

■{.'•il';  '.r  at'.'  1', I   '.<:.  ■•■  •'. •!   > 

■     '      •  ;;c    ul    ;•    !:t!;i.'*r,i-Ter 

'  ■    :  :;(i    ill    '•i.l'i  J-    s|>..;'-ie--, 

•  ii.'(>  .  f;;ait.  :-  u.>c<i    '■  ■ 

;^  c  '.if'  ■.''II.';"!'!  J'  ;   ^!'  i\'' 

-;i. r.\  IP _■    '  '..     •    !    if 


I 


.■\  •       <    111    '-Vl,        i'j!        .»  'lii 


'il 


I  I 


'  "1. 


t  . 

if 


'i 


I 

i 


I'LATE    VIII.  I'AdK    94. 

AMi:iUr.\N  C0(1T. 

Longtli,  l,')-0()  inclitvs.     \\t\u\  ami  neck  lihickisli,  liody  slate;  iiiulor  tail  cov- 
erts, tips  of  set'ondaries,  and  end  of  bill  while 

CL.VPPKR  KAIL. 

Leiifitli,  l-i-.'iO  inches.     Upper  parts  pale  iiieenish  olive  and  gray;  throat 
white,  breast  i)ale  cinnamon.  Hanks  gray  and  white. 


i 


FORM  AND  HABIT:  THE  FEET. 


27 


outer  feathers,  as  in  the  Meadowlark.  The  tail  may 
also  be  exi)res8ive  of  disposition.  Compare  the  drooped 
tail  of  ii  pensive  Flycatcher  with  the  uptilted  member  of 
an  incpiisitive  Wren. 

But  it  is  when  displaying  its  beauties  that  a  bird 
speaks  most  eloquently  with  its  tail.  Can  anything  ex- 
ceed the  pompous  pride  of  a  Turkey  cock  strutting  in 
swollen  glory,  with  tail  stiffly  spread  ?  The  Peacock 
erects  his  tail  in  a  similar  manner,  but  it  is  enfrely  con- 
cealed by  the  train  of  gorgeous  feathers  which  it  par- 
tially sujiports. 

The  Feet. — As  the  feet  share  with  the  wings  the  re- 
sponsibilities of  locomotion,  there  is  often  a  close  rela- 
tion between  these  organs.  For  example,  short-winged 
terrestrial  species  like  Quails,  Grouse,  and  Rails  have  well 
developed  feet,  but  such  aerial  creatures  as  Swifts  and 
Swallows  have  exceedingly  small  feet  (see  Figs.  3  and  4). 
The  aquatic  Grebes  and  Divers  are  practically  helpless  on 
land,  but  the  Ostrich  can  outrun  the  horse ;  while  in  the 
perching  birds  the  foot  is  so  specialized  that  by  the  auto- 


Fio.  12. — Lobed  foot  of  u  foot,  a 
swiiimiiiiir  l)ir(l  of  tic  Iluil 
family     ('/a  luitunil  size.) 


Fio.  13.— Lobed  foot  of  a  Pluilu- 
rope,  u  wwhninhiir  bird  of  the 
Suipt'  family.  ( Natural  wize.) 


matic  action  of  certain  tendons  the  birds  are  locked  to 
their  perches  while  sleeping.  A  webbed  foot  implies  abil- 
ity to  swim,  and  we  lind  this  character  present  in  all  the 


28 


FORM   ANT)   HABIT:   THE   FEET. 


water-lovin<>;  Divers,  Aiiks,  Gulls,  Corniomiitw,  and  Ducks. 
In  tlio  waUin<;j  Herons  and  niarsli-iidial>itin<if  Hails  and 
Gallinules  the  web  is  absent,  but  it  rea])i)ears  in  the  form 
of  lobes  on  the  toes  of  the  aquatic  Coots  of  tlio  same 
family. 

Some  shore-iidiabiting  Snipe  have  the  bases  of  the 
toes  united  by  webs,  but  the  Phahiropes,  of  two  species, 
have  lobed  toes  not  nidike  those  of  the  Coots,  and  are 
true  swimming  Snipe  living  on  the  sea  for  long  i)eriods. 

Length  of  foot  is  largely  dependent  upon  length  of 
neck.  This  is  illustrated  by  the  Herons,  and  is  particu- 
larly well  shown  by  the 
long-necked  Flamingo, 
which  has  a  foot  twelve 
inches  long.  Its  toes 
are  webbed,  and  it  can 
wade  in  deep  water  and 
search  for  food  on  the 
bottom  by  immersing 
its  long  neck  and  its 
head. 

In  the  tropical  Ja- 
canas  the  toes  and  toe- 
nails are  much  length- 
ened, enabling  the  bird 
to  pass  over  the  water 
on  aquatic  plants.  I 
have  seen  these  birds 
walking  on  small  lily 
leaves,  which  sank  be- 
neath their  weight,  giv- 
ing one  the  imjiression 
that  they  were  walking  on  the  water  (see  Fig.  10). 

Many  ground-feeding  birds  use  the  feet  in  scratching 
for  food  ;  Chickens  are  familiar  examples.     Towhees  and 


F:o.  14. — Fluming",  showinp  relative  leiifrtli 
of  loifs  and'iU'ok  in  a  wadin;,'  birtl. 
(Mucli  reduced.) 


FORM   AND   HABIT:   THK  FEET. 


99 


Ja- 
il toe- 
gth- 
bird 
ivater 
I 

])ir(l8 

lily 

be- 

giv- 

bssion 

['liing 
IS  and 


Sparrows  nso  both  feet  in  seari'liiiig  for  food,  jumping 
quickly  backward  and  throwing  the  leaves  behind  them. 

Parrots  use  their  foot  as  a  hand.  Some  Hawks  carry 
nesting  material  in  it,  and  all  birds  of 
prey  strike  their  cjuarry  with  their 
strongly  curved  claws,  which  are  then 
used  to  carry,  or  hold  it  while  it  is 
being  torn  by  the  bill.  The  foot  of 
the  Fish  I  lawk  is  a  magnilicent  organ. 
The  nails  are  strong  and  well  curved  ; 
the  inner  surfa<!e  of  the  toes  is  set  with 
sharp,  horny  s[>ikes,  and  the  outer  toe 
is  partly  reversible,  so  that  the  bird 
grasps  its  slippery  prey  from  four  dif- 
ferent points. 

As  a  weapon  the  foot  is  especially 
effective,  tlie  use  of  spurs  being  too 
well  known  to  require  connnent.     Os- 
triches kick  with  their  feet,  and  can,  it  is  said,  deliver  a 
blow  powerful  enough  to  fell  a  man. 

But  by  far  the  best  instance  of  modification  in  the 
structure  of  the  feet  is  furnished  by  Grouse.     It  is  an 


Fiii.  ir>.— Foot  of  Fish 
Hawk,  Klin\viii;r  lar^'o 
flaws,  niul  spiculi's  on 
under  sin'facc  of  toes. 
(Vs  niitunil  HiZL'.) 


Fid.  10.— N'ukfcl  toes  of  Ruffed  (Irouse  in  summer;  fringed  toes  of  liuffcd 
(Iroiise  in  winter.     ('/^  natural  size.) 

unusual  case  of  seasonal  adaptation  in  form.     During  the 
Bununer  the  toes  of  Grouse  are  bare  and  slender,  but  as 


30 


FORM  AND   IIAIUT:   TllK  BILL. 


': 


v.. 


these  hirdfl  are  larjyely  "j^rouiul-luuititerrt,  aiitl  moHt  of  tliom 
iiiliul>it  rejjioiiK  where  the;  Kiiowtall  in  heavy,  the  toes  in 
winter  a('(|iiire  a  ('(tnihlike  frin^jje  on  either  side.  I'racti- 
eally,  therefore,  (irouse  (h>n  siiowshcjes  in  the  fall,  and 
wear  them  until  the  following:;  spring. 

The  liiU. — Of  the  four  orfjaim  we  are  eonsidcrin^, 
the  hill  is  heyond  (juestion  the  most  im))ortant.  We 
have  seen  that  a  hinl  may  he  win<^Iess  and  practically 
tailless,  and  nuiy  almost  lose  the  use  of  its  feet;  hut 
from  the  moment  the  hill  hreaks  the  e^jjjsholl  and 
liherates  the  chick,  the  hird's  life  is  dependent  uj)on  its 
services.  The  variety  of  ofHces  ])erforme(l  l»y  the  hill, 
and  the  eorrespondinijjly  numerous  forms  it  assumes,  are, 
douhtiess,  without  parallel  in  the  animal  world. 

Tlie  special  modification  of  the  fore  limbs  as  flight- 
organs  deprives  birds  of  their  use  for  otiier  important 
services,  and  consecpiently  we  have  a  biped  which,  so  far 
as  their  assistance  ^oes,  is  without  arms  or  hands.  As  a 
result,  the  duties  which  would  naturally  fall  to  tiiese 
menibers  are  performed  by  the  bill,  whose  chief  office, 
therefore,  is  that  of  a  hand. 

Occasionally  it  is  sexually  adorned,  as  in  the  Puffins, 
several  Auks,  Ducks,  and  the  White  Pelicans,  which, 
during  the  nestinuf  season,  have  some  special  plate,  knob, 
or  color  on  the  bill.  With  the  W^)od])eckers  it  is  a 
mnsical  instrument — the  drumstick  with  which  they  beat 
a  tattoo  on  some  resoundinj?  lind).  Owls  and  some  other 
birds,  when  an<j;ry  or  frifjhtened,  snap  their  mandibles 
together  like  castanets.  Put  it  is  as  a  hand  that  the 
bill  gives  best  evidence  of  adaptation  to  or  by  habit. 
Among  families  in  which  the  wings,  tail,  and  feet  are 
essentially  alike  in  form,  the  bill  may  present  great  vari- 
ation— proof  apparently  of  its  response  to  the  demands 
made  upon  it. 

All  birds  use  it  as  a  comb  and  brush  with  which  to 


^%'-m'- 


>'i 


rans, 
liich. 


■a 


IS  a 

beat 

i)tlier 

Idiblcs 

the 

al)it. 
bt  are 

vari- 


iiaii 


(Is 


licli  to 


\in:  ■.»" 


.1  I-, 


I 


\ 


9a\ 


K-)iiM  AXf.  YiMm .  Tim  mij^ 


h 


P 


those.'  '»in]s  arc  (H"j.n  h  jinnrii-i-hiuiriU-Jv,  ami  uiost  of  tjioin 
iiil'i'Jiit  i-'./ioit.' vv  litM-«-  0.\:  ■AHV.(n\\  ih  be('.\'y,  tlif,  toes  in 
wiiit*.'!- ;i<-iy,ij»rt.>  Ji  '  <!Uii'J,w.i;  *•'•.«•■  on  i.if!"('r  sine.  [*iiicti- 
ct^Wy^  tinMv »<>:•»».  G-^-^sa     ;>  ^    -no ■.<>,{ io«>.  m   the  lull,  nn(l 


i\'efJV  l.lit'UJ  ■;?!?.:  hj,,-  =.  ;-    ., ,,'^  ^V'''''-A' 

ihv  I'i;:    jA   (»<:■•••'' 
havi'  M'tifi    li.  '•   ••       •■      .    .1 
tiiillf'-H,  ati.i    .-f   •        •     "• 
1  roi'i    llitr     1  I'.,-  ■=  ■'  • 
hbo/'i'ic-  ;i"    '  i     '.       •    . 

iiWi  (iu'  cor'"  iij/''?ij:.'-   ,, 

i'liC   Sj,>'.'Ci.i'    !;■;.  -■    c->      ' 

orruu^  'Icjjiivf:-  iiiMw- 
^rrvKH'f^.  at!<!   i'(Hic»  •»  ' - 
;u-^  tlicli*  asHisr:tr(-.'t!  ,,.:•«    .    - 
n  ■♦iilf,   the  (iutii's    «►•  :  m     ■ 

thni'idoiV.  i:-^  rt»!i»'  -  ''  ..  !ft.\-^ 
()''''Hsiori!!!ly  't  v-  v  •,  .sil 
.-.Vfl'il!    Aiikt.,     l>;i.. '<■:.     I  ■• 

lUiriiiii' tiif  ne>'iii«:   i-fi*"-? 
or  <-o!'ir  oil   tiie   'a!:        '-'  • 

il  t-illDH^  nil  (-niiU;   '■'.'S(,>OU"'''   ■; 


^iliMiif  WO  ftro  foriHidci'iiio", 


.-)» 


•   '!,»'  iiiosi  in)|>ort!iut.      V/e 

"!«■   nins^less  ,iikI   {iraciicaUv 

>    "t.-    u-*.'  ot    iis   foet;    hii!, 

'viks   th.fj    ojjrifsltt'li    ;tii(i 

.  f.  '«  (k;|M.'.'i'.l<>nr  i!])on  its 

■"■-•.   VH  rforiic:!'!   in  the  hill, 

;■-  U'Vuir,  ,f  ,i>>i!mes,  are, 

(     r'>"«^  l!!)iii<«  >!i^  ili^rl't- 
',*■  V  .!•  i.fhtfi    iiHport.mt 

.  •     •'fill'   oi  li.ii;.Ls.      .\s  ri 

•■'*■  -',    *vbf>;^i'     fhifj'    f'lHi'i-. 

■■:  1  ..  lif^  ill  tlie  Piillhis, 

■•       il't'fO'    !'"Jicuii>,   '.hirii, 

,.!•*>  ■^.iii'i/uil   |»!;il(',  kii'>i), 

■  i       ,-      \'  Mn.ij)(>.'l\riV    it   "i.-    a 

.   '>''  ■;    ••  ,:!i  uhi<'!i  tl'i'v  l.n-at 

v'    !•       '  r«vl&  !Uii!     w'oe  otlr'V 
hir^lj^,  wtH'ii    nD^ry  <')    r  ^     i^,i-:-\    -^iiuji  tlK'ir  /njoidih'r;- 

liij;Ot!iC!-     '.iki;      ■•i-l;;i:i   ^i.  '.  *-.    ;i.-.    a      il.lllt!     H'iil     tin. 


hill      !'',V('^    iii.'>i     I".  !'l«?l!    I 

\  Mi'Miii   i'njiiil'i'S   in  \vu.   . 


,\,-'\<>'i    to    iii'    t/v     h;ih!t. 
■  !i:^.  iiilh    Hi, A    fc  i    :iro 
!:i  V   fi-;'?-i'Ut  ;;'"i;il    v.U'i- 


. iii>i'  {(>    tiK-  .ii'ti;. !.'),<; 


:•■    '■f('i;;I'r-  ;liiivi'    is     h'l  :•(.    M  • 
■  .t.ii.i.i       pi'i-')!    'ijr  •urt'iii'  ■    'i:     I ,  .■• 
♦o;',' I''  ii I  1 1;:   i/ , 

A*,  \i\[-<if  i;  •••  if   iH  (J.  <'iM,.:i  at;«'   hi-:j^]i  will;  \viii'-)i  > 


»eH.  in 
lui'ti- 
,  iiii'l 

We 

iculir 
;  I  lilt, 
niiU 
lon  its 
■  l.iU, 


r>,  !ire, 


s<i  In!- 

.=!*'<•;. 
.l.iri!, 

kii-.h, 
lit  i.-  a 


:!!'e 


.in- 
lid'- 


^1 


I 


Plate  IX. 


Page  97. 


WILSON'S  SNIPK 


Length,  11-25  inelies.     Uppor  purts  black,  ImiH',  uikI  rusty;  throat  aiul  bolly 
white,  rest  of  undor  piirts  bhick  and  bull'. 


FORM  AND  IIABTT:  THE  BILL. 


81 


perform  their  toilet,  and,  pressing  a  drop  of  oil  from  the 
gland  at  the  root  of  the  tail,  they  dress  their  feathers 
with  their  hill.  Parrots  use  the  hill  in  climhing,  and 
its  hawklike  shape  in  these  hirds  is  an  unusual  instance 
of  similarity  in  structure  accompanyuig  different  hahits. 

Birds  which  do  not  strike  with  their  feet  may  use 
the  hill  as  a  weapon,  but  the  manner  in  which  it  is  em- 
ployed corresponds  so  closely  with  the  method  by  which 
a  bird  secures  its  food,  that  as  a  weapon  the  bill  pre- 
sents no  special  modifications.  In  constructing  the  nest 
the  bill  may  be  used  as  a  trowel,  an  auger,  a  needle,  a 
chisel,  and  as  several  other  tools. 

But  as  a  hand  the  bill's  most  important  office  is  that 
of  procuring  food ;  and  wonderful  indeed  are  the  forms 
it  assumes  to  supply  the  appetites  of  birds  who  may 
re(juire  a  drop  of  nectar  or  a  tiny  insect  from  the  heart 
of  a  tlower,  a  siuike  from  the  marshes,  a  clam  or  mussel 
from  the  ocean's  beach,  or  a  iish  from  its  waters.  The 
bill,  therefore,  becomes  a  forceps,  lever,  chisel,  hook, 
hammer,  awl,  probo.  spoon,  spear,  sieve,  net,  and  knife — 
in  short,  there  is  almost  no  limit  to  its  shape  and  uses. 

With  llumniingbirds  the  shape  of  the  bill  is  appar- 
ently related  to  the  Howers  from  which  the  bird  most 
fre(iuently  procures  its  food.  It  ranges  in  length  from 
a  (piarter  of  an  inch  in  the 
iSuiall-billed  Hummer  ( il/«V(>- 
rhi/iic/iii.s)  to  five  inches  in 
the  Siphon-bill  ( PorinKisfcx), 
which  has  a  bill  longer  thiin 
its  b(Kly,  and  is  said  to  feed 
from  the  hmg-tubed  trumpet 
ilowei's.  Tlic  Avocet  Hummer  {Aroveffifhi)  has  a  bill 
curved  slightly  upward,  but  in  the  Sickle-billed  llunniicr 
{I'jito.rci't'n)  it  is  curved  downward  to  form  li-alf  a  circle, 
and  the  bird  feeds  on  flowers  haviny;  a  similarlv  curved 


32 


FORM    AND    HABIT:   THK   HILL. 


corolla.  In  the  Tooth-billed  lliiniiaer  {Amlrodon)  both 
iiiaiuliblcs  are  finely  serrate  at  the  end,  the  upper  one 
])ein<r  also  hooked,  and  the  bird  feeds  on  insects  which  it 
captures  on  the  surface  of  leaves  and  other  i)laces. 

Anionij  the  Woodhewers  {Dcndrocoloptida)  of  South 
America  there  is  fully  as  much  variability,  whicli  reflects 

-  e(pially  variable  feeding 
habits.  Some  species  have 
short,  stout,  straight  bills, 
others  exceediugly  long, 
slender,  curved  ones. 
Fi(i.  18— Sorrnto  bill  of  MorjiaiisiT. a  tisii-  Mergaiiscrs,  ( Tainiets,  Au- 

L'atiiif' liird.     ( "/a  niitural  size.)  ,  .      ^  ,         ,,  ^•     ^ 

Inngas,  and  other  birds 
that  catch  fish  by  pursuing  t1u>m  under  water,  have 
sharply  serrate  mandibles,  which  aid  them  in  holding- 
their  slippery  prey. 

Some  shore  birds  {Limicoliv)  use  the  bill  as  a  probe, 


Fid.  19.— Probclike  bill  of  Wr  /•  .ook,  sli.  v/i'^'  .!\U'ii.  o  wliioli  upncr  iimiuli 

bio  oau  be  :..oved.     ("',,  niiti'i;.!  ^  ...u.) 

wlien  it  may  be  six  inches  in  length  and  straight,   or 
curved  downward.      It  has  recently  been  learned  tliat 


Fio.  20.— KecurvoJ  bill  of  Avooet.     (Vs  natural  size.) 

several  of  these  ])robing  Snipe,  notably  the  "Woodcock, 
ha\  '>  the  power  of  moving  the  end  of  the  upper  mandi- 


|!     ■. 


FORM  AND  HABIT:  THE  BILL. 


33 


)  both 
iv  one 
liicli  it 

South 
reriec'ts 
ceding 
esliave 
it  bills, 
'  long, 
ones, 
sts,  An- 
r  birds 
I-,  h;rvo 
iioldiiiii; 

I  ^)vobe. 


ble,  which  better  enables  them  to  grasp  objects  while 
probing.  In  the  Avocet  the  bill  is  curv'ed  upward,  and  the 
bird  swings  it  from  side  to  side,  scraping  the  bottom  in 
its  search  for  food.     The  New  _^^- 

Zealand  AVrybill  has  its  bill 
turned  to  the  right  for  the  ter- 
minal third,  and  the  bird  uses 
it  as  a  crooked  probe  to  push 
under  stones  in  hunting  for  its 
pcey.  The  Siberian  Spoonbill 
Sandpiper  has  a  most  singular 
bill,  which  is  much  enlarged  at  the  end,  suggesting  a 
flat-ended  forceps.  Tlie  Roseate  Spooid)ill,  an  entirely 
different  bird,  has  a  somewhat  similarly  shaped  bill,  a 
striking  instance  of  the  occurrence  of  the  same  form  in 
families  which  are  not  closely  related. 

But  probably  the  most  remarkable  instance  of  relation 


Fiu.  -Jl.— Bill  of  Spoonbill  Sund- 
jiiper.     (Natunil  sizo.) 


k'f  niunJi- 

[ulit,   or 
!(1    tliat 


I 


Fkj.  22.— Curvcil  bill  of  foniule,  straifrlit  liill  of  iiijik'  Iluiii-birJ.    I'/a  luituial 

siy.L'.) 


lodcock, 
mandi- 


between  the  form  of  the  bill  and  feeding  habits  is  fur- 
nisiied  by  the  Iluia-bird  of  New  Zealand.     The  male  of 
this  species  has  a  comparatively  short,  straight  bill,  while 
7 


I    I 


34 


FORM  AND   IIAIUT:  THE   BILL, 


that  of  the  female  is  ioiijjj  and  curvotl.  The  birds  feed 
on  larviu,  which  they  tlud  in  dead  wood.  The  male 
hammers  and  chisels  away  the  wood  vei'y  nnich  as  Wood- 
peckers do,  while  the  female  uses  her  bill  as  a  probe. 
AVe  have,  therefore,  the  singular  case  of  two  forms  of 
the  bill  arising  in  the  same  si)ecies  as  a  result  (»f  or  caus- 
ing a  corresponding  difference  iu  habit. 


! 


n  I 


■^ 


;s^ii 


4  .*  , . 


'*#  "^n^  ,  V         '->*s^»v^*  ^ 


^'   ' 


.^ 


Si 


14 


1  ; 

( 

■  i 
t 

i '.' 

ii 

'■* 

■ir 

v  n 


Vl. 


-V 


V 


V 


\ 


<-f^^-^:^J^' 


.■;*-. 


;».-~,l*f.—^ 


,JI«^'.: 


.-,-*^* 


'^'^*":..^— -^ 


^«^:-,. 


,.,>«*;.:  ^■•r 


.  '  ^ff^^JUgtSff  - 


.-itnHf^f^^"^' 


ffi^-v' 


Ci'tjes^  5*fp/»  .l/ojiWisoll 


Plate  X.  Pages  87,  98,  99. 

COMMON  TERN. 

SEMIPALMATED  SANDPIPER.  SEMIPALMATEU  PLOVER. 

{Lii/if//i,  6- JO  inches.)  {Length,  <5.75  inches.) 


CIIAPTFJI   ITI. 


roi.oRs  OF  inniis.* 


TiiK  almost  endless  riVtii>'o  of  variation  in  tlie  colors 
and  |tatti'i-n  of  coloration  of  hirdw'  ])hnnaij;o  lias  attracted 
the  attention  of  many  philosophic  natnralists.  Why,  for 
exami)le,  slionld  hirds  fnun  some  i'c<i;i(»iis  always  be 
darker  than  those  from  other  regions;  why  shonld 
gronnd-inhahiting  birds  {jjenerally  weai'  a  dnll  or  neutral 
tinted  costume ;  and  why  should  the  male,  with  few  ex- 
ce|)tions,  lie  brin'hter  than  the  feujale  ^ 

For  answer  I  will  outline  some  of  the  leadinjj;  facts 
and  theories  in  connection  with  this  interesting  subject. 
In  the  first  place,  however,  it  will  be  necessary  f(»r  us  to 
have  some  idea  of  the  exti'ut  of  individual  change  in 
color,  that  is,  the  various  phases  of  eolor,  which  a  bird 
may  pass  through  during  dilfei'ent  periods  of  its  life.f 


*  ronsult  Pdultnn,  Colors  of  Aniiiml>  (D.  Apploton  iS:  To,).  Giidow, 
in  Newton's  Dictionarv  of  Uiids — articles.  Color  mid  I'lathni's.  Hed- 
dard.  Aniiiial  Coloratioi  (^Iiicmillaii  Co.).  Kedcr.  Evoliitioii  of  the 
Colors  of  North  Aniei'icaii  Tiaiid  Hirds;  occasional  jiapcrs.  California 
Academy  of  Sciences  (San  I'^ranei-^coK  iii,  1S!);5.  Also  .Allen,  reviews 
of  last  two  works.  The  Auk  (New  ^'ork  city),  x,  WY.l  pp.  18!)-1!)9, 
:57;!-:]80.  All-i.  Alleircd  Chanuns  of  Color  in  tlie  Featliers  of  l?irds 
without  ]\Ioltui.i;:  Hulletiu  of  the  Aruericau  ^Museum  of  Natural  His- 
tory, New  Voi'k  city.  viii.  IHDO.  pp.  i;i-44.  (^hadbourne.  Individuiil 
Dichroinntisni  in  the  Screech  Owl;  The  Aidv.  xiii,  18!l«,  pp.  :)'.M-32r), 
and  xiv.  1S!)7.  jip.  lili-oK.  one  plate. 

f  The  term  color,  us  here  used,  means  practically  the  plunmj,^'  or 
dress  of  birds. 

35 


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36 


COLOR  AND  AGE. 


I 


Color  and  Age. — All  birds  have  a  special  nestling 
plumage.  With  those  that  run  or  swim  at  birth,  such 
as  Grouse,  Snipe,  and  Duckfi,  this  is  a  full  suit  of  down, 
whi(?h  maj'  be  worn  for  several  weeks.  With  those 
birds  which  are  helpless  when  hatched — for  instance, 
Robins,  Sparrows,  and  Orioles — this  downy  covering  is 
so  scanty  that  they  are  practically  naked.  This  birth 
dress  is  followed  by  a  new  growth,  known  as  the  "first 
plumage."  Down-covered  birds  do  not  acquire  this  for 
some  time,  but  with  those  birds  that  are  born  nearly 
naked  it  beqjins  to  grow  soon  after  they  are  hatched,  and 
is  almost  complete  when  they  leave  the  nest.  The  first 
plumage  is  often  unlike  that  of  either  parent ;  for  ex- 
ample, the  spotted  plumage  of  the  Jlobin.  It  is  worn  for 
several  months  by  some  sp  3eies — certain  Snipe  and  others 
— but  with  most  land  birds  it  is  soon  exchanged  for  the 
costume  they  will  wear  through  the  winter,  usually 
termed  the  "immature  plumage."  This  may  resemble 
that  of  either  parent  respectively — that  is,  immature 
males  may  be  like  adult  males  and  immature  females  like 
adult  females,  as  with  the  Bob-white  and  Cardinal  Gros- 
beak ;  or  the  immature  birds  of  both  sexes  may  resemble 
the  adult  female,  as  with  the  Hummingbird  and  Bobolink. 
Again,  the  immature  birds  of  both  sexes  may  be  unlike 
either  of  the  adults,  as  with  the  Eagle  and  most  Hawks ; 
or  the  immature  female  may  resemble  the  adult  female, 
while  the  immature  male  is  unlike  either  parent,  as  in  the 
case  of  the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  and  Scarlet  Tanager. 
When  both  parents  are  alike,  the  young  generally  resem- 
ble them,  and  this  happens  among  most  of  our  land  birds ; 
for  example,  the  Flycatchers,  Crows  and  Jays,  many 
Sparrows,  Vireos,  Wrens,  and  Thrushes. 

Immature  birds,  differing  from  the  adults,  may  ac- 
quire the  adult  plumage  the  next  spring,  as  with  the 
Bobolink,  or  they  may  then  don  a  second  or  transition 


I 


.     .^ 


COLOR  AND  SEASON. 


37 


jnager. 
I  resem- 

birds ; 

many 


plumage,  and  not  assume  the  dress  of  maturity  until  the 
second  or  even  the  third  spring,  which  is  the  case  with 
the  Orchard  Oriole. 

Color  and  Season. — Quite  apart  from  the  changes  in 
color  due  to  age,  a  bird  may  throughout  its  life  change 
costumes  with  the  seasons.  Thus,  the  male  Bobolink 
after  the  nesting  season,  exchanges  his  black,  white,  and 
buff  nuptial  suit  for  a  sparrowlike  dress  resembling  that 
of  his  mate.  The  Scarlet  Tanager  sheds  his  gay  body 
plumage  and  puts  on  the  olive-green  colors  of  the  fe- 
male, without  changing,  however,  the  color  of  his  black 
wings  and  tail.  The  following  spring  both  birds  resume 
the  more  conspicuous  coats.  A  more  or  less  similar 
change  takes  place  among  many  birds  in  which  the  male 
is  brighter  than  the  female,  but,  among  land  birds,  when 
the  adults  of  both  sexes  are  alike,  there  is  little  or  no 
seasonal  change  in  color. 

The  Molt.* — These  changes  in  plumage,  as  far  as  they 
are  understood,  are  accomplished  by  the  molt,  frequently 
followed  by  a  wearing  off  of  the  differently  colored  ter- 
minal fringe  which  is  found  on  the  new  feathers  of  some 
birds.  It  has  been  stated  that  birds  change  color  without 
changing  their  plumage,  either  by  a  chemical  alteration 
in  the  pigment  of  the  feathers  resulting  in  a  new  color, 
or  by  the  actual  gain  of  new  pigment  from  the  body ;  but 
I  know  of  no  instance  in  which  this  has  been  proved,  nor 
do  I  believe  that  the  latter  change  is  possible.  The  whole 
subject  offers  an  excellent  field  for  observation  and  ex- 
periment. 

There  is  a  great  and  as  yet  but  little  understood 
variation  in  the  molting  of  birds.     Not  only  may  closely 


my  ac- 
Sth  the 
Insition 


*  See  Stone,  The  Moltiiijj  of  BlrdH.  with  Special  Reference  to  the 
Plumages  of  the  Smaller  Land  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Philadelphia  Academy  of  Natural  Science,  1896,  pp. 
108-167,  two  plates. 


!^ 


I* 


I 


38 


THE  MOLT. 


related  species  molt  ditferently,  but  the  manner  and  time 
of  molting  among  individuals  of  the  same  species  may 
vary  according  to  their  sex,  age,  and  physical  condition. 

At  the  close  of  the  nesting  season  all  hirds  renew 
their  entire  plumage  by  molting.  The  following  spring, 
before  tiie  nesting  season,  most  birds  molt  their  body 
feathers,  retaining  those  of  the  wing  and  tail.  A  few, 
however,  like  the  Bobolink,  have  a  complete  molt  at 
this  season  also.  Others  molt  only  a  few  of  the  body 
feathers,  while  some  birds  are  adorned  at  this  season 
with  special  nuptial  plumes. 

The  beautiful  aigrette  plumes  of  the  Heron  consti- 
tute a  nuptial  dress  of  this  kind.  Jt  is  for  these  plumes 
that  the  birds  have  been  slaughtered  in  such  enormous 
numbers  that  if  the  demand  continues  they  will  speedily 
become  extinct. 

Some  birds,  whose  fall  plumage  is  edged  with  a  dif- 
ferently colored  tip  to  each  feather,  do  not  molt  in  the 
spring,  but  acquire  their  wedding  dress  by  the  slow  wear- 
ing oil  of  the  fringes  to  the  feathers  which  have  dis- 


Jiinuury.  March. 

Fio.  23. — Fuiitliorr'  f'l'oni  hack  of  Snowflakc,  showintr  scasnnal  chancres  in  form 
and  color  due  to  wearing  otf  ot'tiiw.    (Natural  (size.) 

guised  them  during  the  winter.  The  Snowflake,  for 
instance,  changes  from  brown  and  brownish  white  to 
pure  black  and  white  by  losing  the  brown  tips  which 
have  concealed  the  black  or  white  bases  of  his  feathers. 


^ 


,.. .    f 


l^^  «^-, 


-,*fe- 


• » 


■  m 


'.''t^X.  tit  -„'    ■  s-   .;. 


t'-/-y.- 


,("  ■  '.. ' 


r'^ 


!    1/     ■■">,,. 


II-    •!)■      ! ..  I  •  '' I'  ... 
',  i ..' . .  !•  ■    :  1 '  ' :  1 

'II'  • '' '. 


i1m\'  '^.j  --ill :, 
,   ■'!!    'Vi  '  ■    I"  1.1'. 

'  •  ■  I  r  I  ■  '  1     n . .  •  I !    . 
-s'  ..      .:.  ■    :,  ,  Iv 


.  1 1  1  : 


1 

.1   .pllI'C     i  , 

.       Ml        1 

'l'    l''lll\.-  ■ 

4- 

A 

A 


'^■, 


\  'i    ,.■     'I,  ■     ;.  i;:i   ;       !  !,('     l'Mi\'.  I:      '  1  ; 


^ 


I 

:f 


3 

i 

'i 


4 

'-XT 


Pla 


■^ 

L 

i^ 

P 

1 

1 

L 

1 

u 

^ 

a 

I 


5> 


Plate  XI.  1'a(jks  ltd,  it!). 

SPOTTED  SANDPIPER. 

Length,  7-50  inchos.  Atlii/l,  upper  piirt.s  l)r()\vnisli  finiy  and  bhick;  under 
parts  white  spotted  with  black;  a  wiiite  pateii  in  winj:;.  Young,  similar,  but 
without  black. 

KIU.DKKR. 

Length,  10 -.'jO  inches.  Upper  parts  brownish  gray,  upper  tail-coverts  rusty; 
under  parts  white;  two  bands  on  breast,  crown  and  lores  black,  forehead 
and  nape  white. 


n; 


COLOR  AND  POOD. 


39 


Much  remains  to  be  learned  on  this  subject  of  the 
molt,  and,  although  confinement  is  known  to  affect  its 
manner  and  extent,  I  believe  intelligent  observation  of 
caged  birds  will  L  ad  to  really  valuable  results. 

C<d<»'  luid  Food. — In  some  instances  it  is  known  that 
a  bird's  color  is  att'ected  by  the  nature  of  its  food.  It  is 
a  common  practice  among  bird  fanciers  to  alter  the  color 
of  (Canaries  from  yellow  to  orange-red  by  feeding  them 
on  red  pepper.  This  food,  however,  is  said  to  have  no 
effect  upon  adult  birds,  but  mnst  be  fed  to  nestlings.  Sau- 
ermann's  experiments,  as  (juoted  by  Beddard,  show  that 
the  red  color  is  not  caused  by  the  capsicin  or  red  pig- 
ment in  the  pepper,  bnt  by  a  fatty  substance  termed 
triolei  i.  Fed  to  white  fowls,  their  breasts  became  red, 
while  the  rest  of  the  plumage  remained  unchanged.  It 
is  also  stated  that  dealers  alter  the  color  of  green  Parrots 
to  yellow  by  feeding  them  on  the  fat  of  certain  lishes. 

Flamingoes  and  Scarlet  Ibises  when  kept  in  captivity 
lose  their  bright  red  colors  and  become  dingy  pink  or 
even  soiled  white,  and  some  animal  dealers  have  acquired 
a  reputation  for  restoi'ing  their  natural  tints  by  supplying 
them  with  food  the  nature  of  which  is  kept  a  secret. 

Our  Purpie  Finch  turns  to  yellow  in  captivity.  An 
adult  male  now  in  my  possession  is  undergoing  his  second 
molt  since  capture  a  year  ago,  and  it  will  evidently  leave 
him  without  a  single  red  feather.  Other  wild  birds 
when  caged  are  known  to  assume  more  or  less  abnormal 
plumages,  due,  it  is  supposed,  to  change  in  food.  There 
is,  however,  very  little  exact  information  on  this  subject, 
and  it  offers  an  excellent  opportunity  for  the  patient  in- 
vestigator. 

Color  and  Climate.* — Color  is  a  nu.ch  more  variable 
character  than  form.     There  are  but  few  instances  in 


•  Read  Allen,  Bulletin  of  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology  (Cam- 
bridge, Mass.),  vol.  ii,  No.  3,  1871,  pp.  186-250. 


40 


COLOR  AND  CLIMATK. 


wliicli  wo  can  show  the  caiiso  of  a  j^iveii  Btructuro ;  but 
color  roHponds  more  quickly  to  tlie  influence  of  8\ir- 
roundings,  and  in  many  cases  we  can  jxnnt  to  cause  and 
effect  with  some  certainty. 

This  is  best  ilhistrated  by  the  rehition  between  chmatc 
and  color.  Briefly,  it  has  been  found  that  birds  are 
darkest  in  humid  regie  mis  and  palest  in  arid  regions. 

This  at  first  thought  seems  of  small  moment,  but  in 
reality  it  is  one  of  the  most  important  facts  established 
by  ornithologists.  It  is  an  undeniable  demonstration  of 
"  evolution  by  environment " — that  is,  the  bird's  color  is 
in  part  due  to  the  conditions  under  which  it  lives. 

For  example,  our  common  Song  Sparrow,  which  in- 
habits the  greater  part  of  North  America,  varies  so 
greatly  in  color  in  different  parts  of  its  range  that  no 
less  than  eleven  subspecies  or  geographical  races  are 
known  to  ornithologists.  The  extremes  are  found  in  the 
arid  deserts  of  Arizona,  where  the  annual  rainfall  aver- 
ages eight  inches,  and  on  the  humid  Pacific  coast  from 
"Washington  to  Alaska,  where  the  annual  rainfall  averages 
about  eighty  inches. 

The  Arizona  Song  Sparrows  are  pale,  sandy  colored 
birds,  while  those  from  Alaska  are  dark,  socty  brown. 
One  would  imagine  them  to  be  different  species ;  but 
unlike  as  are  these  extremes,  they,  with  the  other  nine 
races  in  this  group,  are  found  to  intergrade  in  those  re- 
gions where  the  climatic  conditions  themselves  undergo 
a  change.  That  is,  as  we  pass  from  an  arid  into  a  humid 
region,  the  birds  gradually  get  darker  as  the  average 
rainfall  increases. 

If  now  we  study  other  birds  living  in  these  regions, 
we  find  that  many  of  them,  especially  the  resident  species, 
are  similarly  affected  by  the  prevailing  eUmatic  influ- 
ences— tliat  is,  many  Arizona  birds  are  bleached  and 
faded  in  appearance,  while  all  the  thirty  odd  Northwest 


3cie8, 

Mu- 

and 

liwest 


COLOR  AND   HAUNT  AND   HABIT. 


41 


Pacific  coast  races  are  darker  or  more  lieavily  streaked 
or  ])arre(l  tlian  any  of  their  coiigeners.  It  is  of  iinpor- 
tance  to  observe  that  these  dilferenccs  are  shown  hy 
y(»img  hinls  in  fresii  phnnaf«;e — eviden(!e  that  the  charac- 
ters acquired  throiij^h  (rlliiiate  have  been  iidierited. 

There  are  many  simihir  cases,  hut  some  species  seem 
more  easily  affected  than  otliers,  and  throufj;hout  their 
ranges  are  markedly  affected  hy  the  conditions  under 
which  they  live.  Thus  we  liave  nine  races  of  Screech 
Owl,  eleven  of  Horned  Lark,  six  of  Junco,  etc. 

These  races,  or  t  )species,  are  species  in  process  of 
fonnati(m.  The  extremes  arc  still  connected  hy  inter- 
mediate or  natural  links,  but  if,  through  any  cause,  these 
intermediates  should  disappear,  the  extremes  would  the.i 
be  left  as  distinct  species. 

Colo)'  and  Haunt  and  Ilahit. — The  relation  of  a 
Inrd's  color  to  its  haunts  and  habits  is  a  complex  sub- 
ject. Any  attempt  at  its  explanation  should  be  based  on 
so  exact  a  knowledge  of  i\\Qf<(vti*  in  the  case,  that  I  can  not 
too  strongly  emphasize  here  the  necessity  for  observations 
in  the  lield.  Oidy  a  close  study  of  the  living  bird  will 
justify  us  in  advancing  theories  to  account  for  its  coloration. 

Many  explanations  have  been  offered  to  account  for 
certain  colors  and  markings  of  birds,  but  often,  I  fear, 
without  adequate  knowledge  of  the  bird's  habits.  I 
shall  speak  of  only  four  classes  of  colors ;  they  are 
protectUie,  deceptive^  recognition^  and  nexnal  colore. 

Protective  colors  render  a  bird  inconspicuous  in  order 
that  it  may  escape  its  enemies.  Deceptive  colors  render 
it  inconspicuous  in  order  that  it  may  more  easily  approach 
its  prey.  In  both  cases  the  bird  should  harmonize  in 
color  with  its  immediate  surroundings. 

A  survey  of  the  birds  of  the  world  shows  that  on  the 
whole  this  is  tnie.  Thus  almost  all  ground-inhabiting 
birds,  sucli  as  Snipe,  Plover,  Quail,  Grouse,  Sparrows, 
8 


¥  "i^^«* 


42 


IMIOTKCTIVK  COLOIIATION. 


are  ;j;enpriilly  <lull  lu'owii  or  jj;riiy,  like  the  j^rouiid,  Ichvch, 
(»!•  nrnissert  )il)Out  tliein,  wliilo  treo-liiimitiii^  hinlH,  cHpe- 
cially  tliorto  that  hvo  in  tht5  fohaj^o  or  fwd  frotn  hl(»s8oinrt, 
arc,  as  a  rule,  brightly  colored.  In  this  class  holou^ 
Ilmiiiiiiii'^hirds,  Orioles,  the  piyer- phiiua^ed  Finches, 
Tanat!;erH,  Warhlers,  and  many  othern.  It  is  partly 
owiiiii;  to  this  fact  that  the  erroneous  idea  concerning 
the  hrilliant  pluniajjje  of  all  tro[)ical  hirds  has  heconio 
estahlished.  The  rich  ve<;;etation  of  the  tropics  furnishes 
a  home  to  a  far  <>reater  nuudier  of  brightly  colored  birds 
than  tu'o  found  in  temperate  regions;  still,  they  are  not 
more  numerous  than  the  dull-colored  species  that  live  on 
the  tree  trunks,  in  the  undei'growth,  or  on  the  ground, 
where,  owing  to  the  nature  of  both  their  colors  and 
haunts,  they  are  likely  to  be  overlooked. 

lietween  these  two  extremes  there  are  numerous  in- 
termediate grouj)s,  most  of  which  conform  to  the  general 
law  of  protective  coloration.  There  are,  it  is  true,  excep- 
tions, but  every  close  student  of  bird-life  nmst  be  so  im- 
})ressed  with  the  dangers  to  which  birds  are  exposed,  that 
he  can  not  doubt  that  the  chief  object  of  color  is  usually 
for  its  wearer's  concealment. 

The  term  "  protective  coloration  "  has  lately  received 
fresh  signiticance  through  the  studies  of  Mr.  Abbott  II. 
Thayer.*  l\[r.  Thayer  proves  conclusively  that  protect- 
ive coloration  lies  not  so  much  in  an  animal's  resem- 
blance in  color  to  its  surroundings  as  in  its  gradation  of 
color.  Thus  he  points  to  the  fact  that,  as  a  rule,  animals 
are  darker  above  than  below — that  is,  those  parts  receiv- 
ing the  most  light  are  darkest,  wlnle  the  parts  receiving  the 
least  light  are  palest.  In  effect  it  follows  that  the  darker 
upper  parts  are  brightened,  while  the  paler  under  parts  are 


*  See  his  papers  'on  The  Law  wliich  Underlies  Protective  Colora- 
tion, in  The  Auli  (New  York  city),  vol.  xiii,  pp.  124-129, 318-320,  eleven 
figures. 


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similar,  but  with  m-ck  tuft.s  no  loiijjer  thaa  adjoining  feathers. 


•  /. 


PROTECTIVE  COLORATION. 


48 


n 


darkened,  the  result  being  a  uniform  color,  with  an  ap- 
parent absence  of  shadow,  tending  to  render  the  object 
invisible. 

Mr.  Thayer  clearly  demonstrates  his  discovery  by 
using  several  decoys  about  the  size  and  shape  of  a  Wood- 
cock's body.  These  he  places  about  six  inches  above  the 
ground  on  wire  uprights,  or  in  a  row  on  a  horizontal  rod. 
One  of  these  decoys  he  colors  uniformly,  above  and  be- 
low, to  resemble  the  earth  about  it,  or  he  may  even  give 
it  a  fine  coating  of  the  earth  itself.  The  upper  half  of 
tie  other  decoys  is  treated  in  exactly  the  same  manner, 
but  their  lower  half  is  graded  to  a  pure  white  on  the  me- 
dian line  below.  At  a  distance  of  forty  or  fifty  yards 
the  uniformly  colored  decoy  can  be  plainly  seen,  but 
those  which  are  white  below  are  entirely  invisible  until 
one  is  within  twenty  or  thirty  feet  of  them. 

After  definitely  locating  these  graded  decoys  the  ex- 
periment may  be  repeated  ;  but  the  result  will  always  be 
the  same.  As  one  slowly  retr  >at8  from  them  they  will,  as 
by  magic,  seem  to  pass  out  of  existence,  while  the  one  which 
is  colored  alike  both  above  and  belo»v^  can  be  seen  distinctly. 

One  of  the  best  arguments  for  the  value  of  a  protect- 
ive coloration  is  the  fact  that  the  birds  themselves  are 
such  thorough  believers  in  it.  Here  we  have  the  reason 
why — in  sportsman's  parlance — game  birds  "lie  to  a  dog." 
When  there  is  sufficient  cover,  they  trust  to  their  protect- 
ive coloring  to  escape  detection,  and  take  wing  only  as 
a  last  resort ;  but  when  cover  is  scanty,  they  generally 
rise  far  out  of  gunshot.  Some  Snipe  and  Sparrows, 
however,  attempt  to  conceal  themselves  even  on  bare 
sand  or  worn  grass  by  squatting  close  to  the  earth,  with 
which  their  plumage  harmonizes  in  color 

A  sitting  AVoodcock  had  such  confidence  in  its  own 
invisibility  that  it  permitted  itself  to  be  stroked  without 
leaving  the  nest ;  but  when  a  light  snow  fell,  and  the 


44 


DECEPTIVE  COLORATION. 


bird  became  a  conspicuous  dark  object  against  a  white 
background,  it  took  wing  on  the  first  siispicion  of  danger. 

I  could  mention  many  otlier  simihir  instances,  but  tlie 
careful  observer  will  soon  find  them  included  in  his  own 
experience. 

Deceptive,  or,  as  Poulton  terms  it,  "  aggressive  "  col- 
oration is  perhaps  best  illustrated  by  connnon  Flycatchers 
{Tyrannidie).  Although  these  birds  Hve  in  and  about 
trees,  they  are,  as  a  rule,  quietly  attired  in  olive-green  or 
olive-gray,  and  are  quite  unlike  the  brilliantly  clad, //^r/^- 
eating  Tanagers,  Orioles,  Parrots,  and  other  birds  that 
may  be  found  near  them.  Insects  are  therefore  more 
likely  to  come  within  snapping  distance  than  if  these 
birds  were  conspicuously  colored.  In  tin  same  manner 
we  may  explain  the  colors  of  Hawks,  which  are  never 
brightly  plumaged. 

It  is  well  known  that  many  arctic  animals  become 
white  on  the  approach  of  winter.  With  Ptarmigans 
this  is  doubtless  an  instance  of  protective  coloration,  but 
the  Snov\'y  Owl,  who  feeds  on  the  Ptarmigan,  may  be 
said  to  illustrate  deceptive  coloration. 

Recognition,  signahng,  or  directive  colors  have,  with 
more  or  less  reason,  been  made  to  include  many  different 
types  of  markings,  of  which  I  shall  mention  only  those 
that  are  conspicuously  shown  in  flight  or  by  some  move- 
ment. Such  are  the  white  outer  tail-feathers  of  Juncos, 
Meadowlarks,  Towhecs,  and  many  other  birds,  and  cer- 
tain wing  and  rump  patches,  which  are  noticeal)le  only 
when  the  bird  is  on  the  wing.  ]\[arkings  of  this  kind  are 
supposed  to  aid  birds  in  recognizing  others  of  their  kind, 
their  special  use  l)eing  to  keep  the  individuals  of  a  family 
or  flock  together,  so  that  when  one  starts  the  others  can 
readily  follow.  The  theory  is  open  to  objections,  but 
these  so-called  recognition  marks  are  so  often  I'ound  among 
birds  that  tliey  doubtless  are  of  some  use,  though  their 


I 
I 


i 


i 


:■*. 


I 


I 


COLOR  AND  SEX. 


45 


exact  value  remains  to  be  determined  by  closer  obser- 
vation. 

Color  and  Scsc* — It  is  not  possible  here  to  discuss  at 
length  the  vexed  question  of  sexual  coloration.  But,  as  a 
means  of  directing  observation,  I  present  a  synopsis  of 
the  principal  types  of  secondary  sexual  characters,  with 
some  of  the  theories  which  have  been  advanced  to  ac- 
count for  them. 

SYNOPSIS  OP  THE  SECONDARY  SEXUAL  CHARACTERS 

OF  BIRDS. 


but 


^ 
1 


i,  with 

ft'erent 

S 

'  those 

■"",. 

nmve- 

uncos, 

d  cer- 

}  only 

4 

lid  are 

■''' 

■  khul, 

'r 

family 

:i 

[*s  can 

'i 

s,  but 

'." 

iniont;; 

■';■. 

their 

■ir 

•| 

1/ 

.'^' 

Size. 


Plumage. 


Of  the  body 

Of  the  feet. 
Of  tlie  bill. 


Pursuit. 

Display. 
Battle. 

Music. 


Speeial 
habits. 


Color.  J 


Fonn. 


I.    STRUCTURAL. 

(  ^Fale  larger  than  female  (usual). 
/  Female  lai'fjer  than  male  (rare). 

Male  l)rifjhter  than  female. 
'   I'Vinaie  l>ri<;hter  than  male  (rare). 
'  Assum[itii)ii   of  plumes,  rulfs.  crests,  trains, 
etc.:  speeial  motlifieution  of  wing  and  tail 
feathers. 
a.  Worn  by  male  alone. 
f>.  Worn  by  both  sexes. 

i  Sole  or  greater  development  in  male  of  brightly  col- 
-  ored  bare  tracts  of  skiti,  eoiubs.  wattles,  caruncles, 
(      an<l  other  fleshy  or  horny  aj)penilages. 

Sole  or  greater  development  in  male  of  spurs. 

\  Male  with  more  highly  colored  or  larger  bill  than 
"(      female. 

n.  1  rxcTroNAL. 

(  By  male  when  similar  to  or  brighter  than  female. 
"/  Hy  female  wlum  brighter  than  male. 

Hy  male  of  accessory  plumes  and  other  appendages. 

By  male  using  spurs,  wings,  bill.  etc. 

(  Vocal,  by  male  and.  rarely,  female. 
"/  Mechanical,  by  male  and  sometimes  female. 
Dances,  mock  fights,  aei'ial  evolutions,  construction  of 
bowers,  decoration  of  playgrounds,  attitudinizing, 
strutting,  etc. 
n.  By  male  before  the  female. 
b.  Amonii  the  males  alone. 


*  Head  Darsvin,  The  Descent  of  Man  and  Selection  in  Relation  to 
Sex  (D.  Appleton  &  Co.).     Wallace,  Darwinism  (Macniillan  Co.). 


I! 


r 


11 

!  i 


J'  11 


40 


COLOR  AND  SKX. 


In  explanation  of  these  remarkable  diiTerenccs  of  form 
and  liahit,  we  have  iirst  Darwin's  theory  of  "sexual  se- 
lection." This  is  hased  npon  tlie  ardor  in  love,  the  coiir- 
aj^e  and  rivalry  of  the  males,  und  also  upon  the  powers 
of  perception,  taste,  and  will  of  the  female. 

The  spurs  of  the  male,  for  example,  arc  supi)osed 
to  have  heen  developed  throui>;h  the  battles  of  the  males. 
At  first  a  mere  knob,  they  were  an  advantaije  to  the  bird 
possessing]!;  them,  enablinjjj  him  to  defeat  his  rivals.  The 
i^uccessful  male  would  be  more  likely  to  have  olfsprin<^ 
who  would  inherit  the  teiulency  of  their  father  to  have 
spurs,  and  thus,  by  selection,  the  unspurred  cocks  would 
gradually  be  replaced  by  those  better  armed.  This  is 
known  as  the  "  law  of  battle." 

IJut  the  bright  colors  and  gay  plumes  of  the  cock 
have  originated,  under  this  theory,  through  the  taste  of 
the  female,  who,  it  is  assumed,  woulil  be  more  likely  to 
accept  the  attentions  of  a  bird  ])leasing  in  her  eye  than 
one  who  was  less  strikingly  adorned.  This  has  been 
termed  by  Lloyd  Morgan  "  ])referential  mating.'" 

"Wallace  has  accepted  the  law  of  battle  as  an  eifective 
agent  in  producing  certain  characters,  but  considers  it 
iidt'i/'d/,  rather  than  .sexin/f  selection,  and  he  denies  the 
existence  of  any  important  evidence  proving  female  selec- 
tion. He  therefore  attributes  many  secondary  sexual 
characters  to  a  surplus  of  vital  energy,  which,  because  of 
a  bird's  perfect  adaptation  to  the  conditions  (»f  its  exist- 
ence, can  expend  itself  in  the  production  of  bright  colors 
and  ornamental  plumes  without  injury  to  their  owners. 
That  is  to  say,  Wallace  ascribes  to  the  action  of  natural 
selection  any  secondary  sexual  character  which  is  of  prac- 
tical use  to  the  male  in  contiicts  with  a  rival,  but  denies 
the  female  any  part  in  the  matter  of  pairing.  Darwin, 
as  I  liave  said,  attributes  to  the  female  an  aesthetic 
taste  wliich  renders  the  brilliant  colors  or  display  of  the 


_^'-^'''x:.n- 


'W: 


II 


-VMit 


v;- 


^..''*-" 


•^-^ 


"4 


Ml 


1 


*■  ,1 


r 


¥ 


mi  I 

■"'Vii,'  t,  ' 
III 


Plate  XIII.  Page  102. 

MOI'RNINC  DOYK. 

Lciiii'tli,  ll'".")  iiic'liorf.     Upper  parts  tilivc  j;Tii.visli  brown,  sidois  iiiul  liack  of 

ui'ck  iridcficciit ;  breiist  witli  u  iiiiikisli  tiii>i-c,  Ix'Uy  bull';  outer  tuil-fciitliors 

tipped  with  wliite. 


i 


J! 


(■"iJiit  ANr)  snx. 


« 


mio  »„  ,utm,.,ivc.  si«|„,  i„„„„,„,„^  ,,„,.  ,.|,„,,^  ^j  ^^ 

ThcTl.    i«    thus   ,.    |„,„.,i,,,|    „j;,,,,,,„,„t    i„    „,„   ^,  , 

fc»„  .,„,„.,l,su  „„  H,e,„.«i„  ,„■  „„.„  .,„„„|  ,.„„„    ; 
»    -l'  'i.".v  l.e.  as»..,l  „,  «x,.|,„ns.,.„.|  H.is  „|,i„i„„  l^'j 

;•'','". '""'  "'"■'■ ■>■  i>i""-».  "till  i,u.kl  .,,„«,.,„„„; 


i 

i 
» 


•••  * 


CIIAPTKR   IV. 


THE  MIGRATION  OF   BIRDS.* 


i»l 


To  tlio  Held  Ktiulcnt  the  bchsou  of  inisjmtion  is  the 
most  interesting  of  the  year.  The  I>ir(l-life  of  a  vast 
area  then  passes  in  review  before  liini.  Thonj!;li  livint^ 
in  a  temperate  region,  he  may  see  birds  whose  snmmer 
home  is  within  the  Arctic  (Circle,  wliose  winter  hannts  are 
in  the  tropics.  Who  can  tell  wluit  binl  he  may  find  in 
the  woods  he  has  been  exploring  for  years  ? 

The  comparative  regularity  with  wliich  birds  come 
and  go  gives  an  added  charn  .o  tiie  study  of  migratit»n. 
Their  journey  is  not  a  "helter-skelter"  rushing  onward, 
but  is  like  the  well-governed  march  of  an  army.  "VVe 
feel  a  sense  of  satisfaction  in  knowing  wlien  we  may  ex- 
pect to  greet  a  given  species,  and  a  secret  elation  if  we 
succeed  in  detecting  it  several  days  in  advance  of  other 
observers.  We  study  weather  charts,  and  try  to  foretell 
or  explain  those  great  flights  or  "  waves  "  of  birds  which 
are  so  closely  dependent  \\\nm  meteorologic  conditions. 

*  Read  Allen.  Scribner's  Mapazlno.  vol.  xxii,  1881,  pp.  932-938, 
Riillotin  of  Nuttall  Ornitholosical  CUuh  (Cnniliridge.  Mass.),  vol.  v, 
1880,  pp.  l.')l-ir)4.  Scott.  ibiJ..  vol.  vi,  1880.  pp.  97-100.  Ikewster. 
Memoirs  of  Nuttall  ()riiitli(iloKi<'al  riub.  No.  1,  np.  22.  Cooke  and 
Merriain.  Hird  .Mifiralion  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  (Washington,  1888). 
Chapman,  The  Auk  (Now  York  city),  vol.  v,  1888,  pp.  37-39 ;  vol.  xi, 
1894,  pp.  12-17.  Loomis,  ibid.,  vol.  ix,  1892,  pp.  28-39:  vol.  xi,  1894, 
pp.  20-39,  94-117.  Stone,  Birds  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania  and  New 
Jersey,  pp.  15-28. 

48 


RXTKNT  OF   MKJKATIOX. 


4<.) 


nn  is  tho 
f  a  vust 
jrh  Wvms; 
•  KUinnier 
aunts  are 
ly  tint!  in 

nh  come 
niiri'iition. 
r  onward, 
my.     We 
may  ex- 
ion  if  we 
of  other 
I  foretell 
■dfi  wliicli 
litions. 

[p.  932-«38, 
Ls.),  vol.  V, 
I,  Brewster. 
]  Cooke  and 
jton.  1888). 
3!) ;  vol.  xi, 
1.1.  xi.  1804. 
and  New 


Ejcti'iit  (if  Mi(ji'<tt}i»i. — The  extent  of  a  Mrd'H  migra- 
tion is,  in  most  cases,  dependent  upon  the  nature  of  its 
food,  liirds  that  are  resi(h!nt  in  one  place  tlirougliout 
the  year  generally  change  tlicir  fare  witli  tlie  season, 
and  aj)parently  feed  with  e([ual  relisli  on  seeds  or  insects. 
Those  that  are  dependent  upon  fruit  must  niigrate  far 
en(»ugli  to  find  a  supply  of  herries,  while  the  insect-eaters 
are  o'olijred  to  travel  even  further  south. 

^lost  of  tiie  migratory  hirds  of  our  Western  States 
pass  the  winter  in  Mexico.  Our  Kastern  Si)arr()ws  and 
our  herry-eaters,  like  the  Ilohin  and  Bluebird,  winter 
from  the  Middle  States  to  the  (fiilf  coast,  while  the  ma- 
jority of  our  ])nrely  insectivorous  species  cross  t<»  (^iha 
and  winter  in  the  West  Indies,  or  continue  to  (Central 
America  and  even  northern  South  America.  Snipe  and 
Plover  make  the  most  extended  migrations,  some  si)eciert 
Itreeding  within  the  Arctic  Circle  and  wintering  along 
the  coasts  of  Patagonia. 

Timex  of  Mff/nittoti. — Let  us  suppose  we  are  about 
to  observe  the  spring  migratioii  of  birds  at  Englewood, 
New  Jersey — a  few  miles  from  New  York  city.  Hirds 
arrive  here  about  a  week  later  than  at  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  a  week  earlier  than  at  Boston. 

During  January  and  February,  while  watching  for 
Bome  rare  visitor  from  the  North,  we  shall  find  that  Tree 
Sparrows  and  Juncos  are  everywhere  common.  Less 
frequently  we  may  see  Slirikes,  AVinter  Wrens,  Golden- 
crowned  Kinglets  and  Brown  (^rcepers,  and  rarely  Snow- 
fl.ikes,  Red  Crossl)ills,  and  Redpolls  will  be  observed. 
These  birds  are  winter  visitants,  coming  to  us  from  the 
North  in  the  fall  and  leaving  in  March  and  April. 

Of  course,  in  addition  to  these  migratory  birds,  we 
shall  see  most  if  not  all  of  our  commoner  permanent 
residents,  or  the  birds  which  are  with  us  throughout  the 
year.      They  are  the   Bob-white,  Ruffed   Grouse,  Red- 


i 


60 


TIMES  OF  MIGRATION. 


slionl('crc(l  and  Red-tailed  TIawks,  Rarred  and  Screech 
Owls,  Downy  and  Hairy  Wooilpeckers,  I'liie  Jay,  Crow, 
Goldtincli,  Soiiii;  Sparrow,  White-breasted  Nutliatch,  and 
(chickadee. 

Ge'^erally  sj)eakini>;,  the  birds  in  the  front  rank  of 
the  featliered  army  which  soon  will  invade  the  land  are 
those  whose  winter  (juarters  are  farthest  north,  while 
those  that  winter  farthest  south  bring  up  the  rear. 

From  February  20  to  March  h\  therefore,  we  may 
expect  to  see  Purple  (irackles,  Robins,  I>luebirds,  and 
Red-winged  Blackbirds  ;  birds  that  have  wintered  but  a 
short  distance  south  of  us — if  not  with  us — and  who 
have  acce})teil  the  slightest  encouragement  from  the 
weather  as  an  order  to  advance.  All  the  first  coiners 
will  doubtless  be  males,  this  sex,  as  a  rule,  preceding  the 
females  i»y  several  days. 

vVbout  the  middle  of  March  we  may  look  foi*  the 
Woodcock,  iVIeadowlark,  Fox  Sparrow,  Cowbird,  and 
Plujebe  ;  their  time  of^arrival  being  largely  dependent 
upon  the  tempera nire — warm  v.eather  hastening,  and 
cold  weatber  retarding  their  movements. 

Toward  the  last  of  Marcli,  Wilson's  Snipe,  the  King- 
fisher, ^Mourning  Dove,  Swamp  and  Field  Sparrt»ws  are 
due, 

Early  in  April  the  Purple  Finch,  White-throated, 
Vesper,  and  C^hipping  S])arrows  will  announce  their  re- 
turn in  familiar  notes,  and  at  the  same  time  Tree  Swal- 
lows, Myrtle  Warblers,  Pipits,  aiul  Hermit  Thrushes  will 
appeal*.  They  will  soon  be  followed  liy  Barn  Swallows 
and  Ruby-crowned  Kinglets. 

The  migration  is  iuav  well  under  way,  and  we  go 
to  the  field  with  the  assurance  of  meeting  some  lately 
arrived  feathered  friend  almost  daily.  Betweeii  April 
20  and  lio  we  will  doubtless  note  among  the  newcomers, 
the  Green  Heron,  Spotted  Sandpiper,  Whip-jK)or-will, 


Im '  I 


A 


nd  Screccli 
Jay,  (^row, 
thatch,  and 

nt  rank  of 
lie  land  are 
orth,  while 
rear. 

>re,  we  may 
lebirds,  and 
tered  hut  a 
— and  who 
t  from  the 
irst  fomers 
ecedinir  the 

ok  for  the 

wbird,  and 

dependent 

ening,   and 

:,  the  Kinp^- 
>arrows  are 

te-throated, 
ce  their  re- 
Tree  Swal- 
irnshes  will 
•n  Swallows 


and  we  ^o 
some  lately 
«-eea  April 
newcomers, 
p-poor-will, 


*f. 


I      •  MetmmoMilsmaftiHifr  -^fmaxmifffrr  ■• 


:.o 


'Tn;?:s  •']■'  M!aIi.^Ttu^r, 


n  l\     [  r 


i  1         I     . 

■  I  ■ . 


(     'i:;        ,        I.I   '("' 


•x'  M 


..',    ' 


•'■   !i 

,  1 

,  V 

\'. 

,  ;  1  r      •   ' 

4 

i    1. 

••'/ 

(    !-" 

ii'  i'l<' 

",. 

'•  i      ' 

'.1         !i 

,  M  !  «    !■  ! 

'        ■•! 

'  .>i. 

'    •'. 

■.r!:,,r 

'    •:;'-(■ 

■1!    ■ 

).,-•    ill    ','■  :<•;''  'f^   u  ';i  *.     'i  '     i'    ' 

>    ;■  •     !',•;>.    ■>  ■     ,    I    '      '■•■■r-  ',.  I- 
_•■,..,         •    (       >,  ,  :,     •]  ■•[ 


•  ■ :  ■     i'.i'i'     .!'!  - .  *    raw. 


i:r   n,;,- 


■  I. •    ..■  ■  I  ■  ■•,'■     •  '••■ 
:■!■•'•  ■'■'  .    :■      \n'\ 

l'.    •,,    •(.. 
I,     '.  .-,;.     ',."    ;!,< 

'  '  ■    'ill    KiiiL''- 
II.:     "'->      .II''' 


■.?iu        I  '.H  '  '■  V 


:-.  v  '1'. 


,.-!    o 


I 


\  - 


.     ;,  .:  1-1'--  'A   !| 


•,■1.'    '•■i'"  :i. 
1(1(1    "-^  ;• 

t     I  ■ .    . : ' '   I 
I  nil  ':'..r  '  '■' 

1  .•:u\. 


:\!ll'. 


.;it"'-' 


"* 


■4!* 


^ 


Pl.ATE    XIV.  P.VdE    104. 

RED-SIIOULDKRi:!)  HAWK. 

Leiij;tli,  1!)'00  inclips.  Adult,  uiipcr  |)iii'ts  bliickisili  brown  and  rusty  ;  k-ffSCn- 
winu'-ciiverts  bright  cliostiiut ;  win^;*  and  tail  black  and  white  ;  uiidor  parts 
rich  rusty  and  white.  I'c.v.r-.  lesy  rusty  on  back,  wings  and  tail  largely 
rusty;  under  parts  white,  spotte  I  or  streaked  with  blackish. 


■'».:Ul!i-'     '--11  1    .  IL.JII      IIIM 


it 


'I 


s 


■J 


ai 


■i 


TIMES  OP  MIGRATION. 


61 


-a' 


i 
I 


1 


Cliimnej  Swift,  Least  Flycatcher,  Towhee,  Purple  Mar- 
tin, Clilf  and  Bank  Swallows,  Black  and  White  and 
Black-throated  Green  Warblers,  Oven-bird,  House  Wren, 
Brown  Thrasher,  Catbird,  and  Wood  Thrusli.  This 
troop  surely  is  not  without  musicians.  In  ringing 
tones  they  herald  the  victory  of  Spring  over  Winter. 

The  season  of  cold  waves  has  passed,  and  the  birds 
now  appear  with  the  regidarity  of  calendar  events. 
From  ]\[ay  1  to  12  the  migration  reaches  its  lieight. 
It  is  a  time  of  intense  interest  to  the  bird  student,  and 
liappy  is  he  who  can  spend  unlimited  time  atield. 
Sijme  mornings  we  may  find  ten  or  more  different  spe- 
cies that  have  come  back  to  us,  and  each  one  may 
be  represented  by  many  individuals.  The  woods  are 
thronged  Avith  migrants,  and  the  scantily  leaved  trees 
and  bushes  enable  us  to  observe  them  far  more  easily 
than  we  can  wiien  they  travel  southward  in  the  fall. 
During  this  exciting  period  we  should  see  the  Cuckoos, 
Nighthawk,  Kuby-throated  Hummingbird,  Crested  Fly- 
catcher, Kingbird,  Wood  J^ewee,  Baltimore  and  Orchard 
Orioles,  Bobolink,  Indigo  Bunting,  Hose-breasted  Gros- 
beak, Scai-let  Tanager,  Red-eyed,  Warbling,  Yellow- 
throated,  and  White -eyed  Vireos,  Long-billed  jVIarsh 
Wren,  Wilson's  Thrush,  Kedstart,  Yellow-breasted  Chat, 
Maryland  Yellow-throat,  Yellow  Warbler,  and  others  of 
its  family. 

Succeeding  days  will  bring  additions  to  the  ranks  of 
these  species,  aiul  there  will  also  be  numerous  small 
Warl)]crs  to  look  for,  but  by  May  12  all  our  more 
familiar  and  common  birds  have  arrived.  During  the 
rest  of  the  month,  as  the  transient  visitants,  or  species 
which  nest  farther  north,  pass  onward,  birds  gradually 
decrease  In  numbers,  and  by  June  .5  we  have  left  only 
those  that  will  spend  the  sunmier  with  us. 

The   ijilgration   over,  we  <!an   now  give  our  whole 


62 


TIMES  OF  MIGRATION. 


fc. 


attention  to  a  study  of  nesting  habits.  As  a  matter  of 
fact,  the  nesting  season  begins  quite  as  early  as  the 
spring  migration,  the  Great  Horned  Owl  laying  its  eggs 
late  in  February.  In  March  and  April  other  birds  of 
prey  and  the  earlier  migrants  nest.  May  migrants  go 
to  housekeeping  soon  after  they  reach  their  old  homes, 
and  by  June  5  there  are  few  species  that  have  not 
nests. 

With  birds  that  rear  two  or  three  broods,  the  nest- 
ing season  may  extend  into  August.  With  those  that 
have  but  one  brood  it  nuiy  be  over  early  in  JuKy.  At 
this  time  we  begin  to  miss  the  jolly,  rollicking  music 
of  the  Bobolink.  Soon  he  will  leave  the  meadow  he  has 
animated  for  two  months,  and  with  his  young  join  grow- 
ing flocks  of  his  kind  in  the  wild -rice  marshes.  His 
handsome  suit  of  black  and  white  and  buff  will  be  ex- 
changed for  the  sparrowlike  Reedbird  dress,  and  in  place 
of  the  merry  song  he  will  utter  only  a  metallic  ti)d\  This 
note  is  characteristic  of  the  season.  Day  and  night  we 
hear  it  from  birds  high  in  the  air  as  they  hasten  to  their 
rendezvous  in  the  marshes. 

July  1,  Tree  Swallows,  who  nest  rarely  if  at  all  near 
New  York  city,  appear  and  establish  their  headquarters 
in  the  Ilackensack  meadows — a  first  step  on  the  Tuigra- 
tory  journey.  July  is  a  month  for  wanderers.  The  nest- 
ing season  of  most  one-brooded  birds  it,  over ;  they  are 
not  yet  ready  to  migrate,  and  pass  the  time  roving  about 
the  country  with  their  families. 

In  August  birds  are  molting  and  moping.  The 
careful  observer  will  find  that  a  few  AVarblers  and  Fly- 
catchers have  returned  from  the  north  and  are  passing 
southward,  but,  as  a  rule,  August  is  a  month  to  test 
the  patience  of  the  most  enthusiastic  bird  student.  Late 
in  the  month  migrants  become  more  numerous,  but  be- 
tween the  "flights"  or  "waves"  there  are  days  when 


go 


V: 


'^w^'ii 


i^; 


The 

Ind  Fly- 

]  passing 

to  test 

Late 

Ibut  be- 

wlicn 


I" 


*Mfeft 


r  'i 


1  M' 


w      I 


t         ,1, 

J 1 

;       I' 

^l 

f 


-« 

X 


J 


.1 


Pi-ate  XV. 


MAKSII  HAWK. 


P.V  K    10(1, 


Lciii-tli,  20-00  inches.     ./,/////  wu/,:  iipjuM'  itarls  uniy;  under  part.-i  wliile  witli 
rusty  spots  ;    ui)per  tail-coverts   white.     .l,//i//  fniuilc  and  vo 


iiui;.    upper 


parts  liladi  ami  ricii  rusty  ;  under  i)arts  ricii  rusty  and  l)lack  ;  upper  tail- 


coverts  white, 


9 
1 


u 


ti 


TIMES  OP  MIGRATION. 


53 


ono  mav  tramp  the  woods  for  miles  witliont  Rceing  a 
dozen  birdw. 

September  is  the  month  of  Warblers.  They  come  in 
myriads  (hiriniij  the  latter  half  of  the  month,  and  on 
favorable  niij;hts  we  may  sometimes  hear  their  fine-voieed 
tscepH  as  they  Hy  by  overhead.  About  the  2.')th  of  the 
month  our  winter  residents,  the  Jinico,  Winter  Wren, 
Golden  Kin<j;let,  and  Hrown  Oeeper,  will  arrive. 

The  sunnner  residents  are  now  rapidly  leaving  ur. 
In  a  general  way  it  may  be  eaid  that  the  last  birds  to 
arrive  in  the  spring  are  the  first  to  leave  in  the  fall, 
while  the  earliest  spring  migrants  remain  the  longest. 

October  and  ^'ovember  are  the  months  of  Sparrows. 
They  rise  in  loose  Hocks  from  every  stubble  or  weed 
field,  and  seek  shelter  in  the  bordering  bushy  growth. 
Should  the  season  prove  warm,  many  of  these  hardy 
seed-eaters  will  stay  with  us  well  into  December,  but  at 
the  first  really  cold  weather  they  retreat  soiithward. 

This  completes  the  merest  outline  of  the  move- 
ments of  our  migratory  birds.  It  will  be  seen  that  in 
reality  there  are  but  few  periods  during  the  year  when 
some  event  is  not  occurring  in  the  bird  world.  As  we 
accumulate  records  for  comparison,  and  learn  to  ai)pre- 
ciate  their  meaning,  our  interest  in  the  study  of  migra- 
tion will  increase  and  be  renewed  with  the  changing 
seasons. 

We  liave  found,  in  this  brief  review,  that  our  birds 
may  be  placed  in  four  classes,  as  follows  : 

1.  Permanent  Renidentfi. — Birds  that  are  represented 
in  the  same  locality  throughout  the  year. 

2.  Snmmer'  lie-sidents. — Birds  that  come  to  us  in  the 
spring,  rear  their  young,  and  depart  in  the  fall. 

3.  Winter  Resident.'^. — J>irds  that  come  from  the  north 
in  the  fall,  pass  the  winter  with  us,  and  return  to  their 
more  northern  homes  in  the  spring. 


,M 


54 


MANNKll  OF   MKJIIATION. 


'.     I 


' ;  I 


4.  Tnnis'h'nt  VisUtnifs. —  IJinls  wlioso  rtiiminor  Ijomo 
is  north  and  whoso  wintor  hoiiiu  is  Houtli  of  uk.  In 
triivclin;^  from  ono  to  tho  otliur  they  pass  througli  thu 
inturvi'iiing  ris^^ion  uh  "transients." 

Mkiiiu'i'  if  Miiji'dtloii. — Tilt"  Oriole,  who  huilds  his 
Kwin.i^in^  nt'st  in  your  chn  tree,  will  wintor  in  Central 
America;  the  liohidink,  who  seems  so  eare-free  in  your 
meadows,  must  journey  to  his  winter  (quarters  in  southern 
I{ra/,il.  Hut,  unless  ueeident  hefalls,  hoth  hirds  will  re- 
turn to  you  tho  following  spring.  Wo  are  so  aecustomod 
to  these  phenomena  that  we  aecept  them  as  ])art  of  tho 
chani^'inu^  seasons  without  realizing  liow  wonderful  they 
are.  Hut  look  for  a  moment  at  a  map,  and  try  to  form 
a  mental  picture  of  the  IJoliolink's  route.  Over  valleys, 
mountains,  marshes,  plains,  and  forests,  over  straits  and 
seas  hundreds  of  miles  in  width,  he  i)nrsue8  a  course 
throu«i;h  trackless  space  with  a  rej^ularity  and  certainty 
which  hriuiis  him  to  the  same  place  at  nearly  the  same 
time  year  after  year.  How  much  of  his  knowledge  of 
the  route  he  has  inherited,  and  how  much  learned  dur- 
ing his  own  lifetime,  is  a  cpiestion  wo  may  return  to 
later ;  now  we  are  concerned  with  actual  methods  of 
migration. 

rmmeiliately  after,  or  even  during  the  nesting  seasc  > 
many  hirds  hegin  to  resort  nightly  to  roosts  frocpiented 
sometimes  hy  innnense  numhers  of  their  kinds,  with 
often  the  addition  of  other  species.  These  movements 
are  ai)parently  inaugurated  hy  the  old  hii'ds,  and  are  in 
a  sense  the  heginnings  of  the  real  migratorv  iournev. 
Other  birds  roam  the  woods  in  loose  hands  or  families, 
their  wanderings  being  largely  controlled  by  the  sui)ply 
of  food. 

During  this  time  they  may  bo  molting,  but  when 
their  new  plumage  is  ac(piired  they  are  ready  for  tho 
start.     The  old  birds  lead  the  way,  either  alone  or  asso- 


Miner  liomo 
of  iiH.  In 
liruiigh  tlio 


l>nil(|H  In'H 
in   (V'litml 
L'o  in  ycMir 
n  Koutliei-n 
lIs  will  rc- 
i{'('UHt(»nit'(l 
|)urt  of  tlio 
erful  tlicy 
ly  to  form 
er  viilJeyH, 
^tniits  and 
a  course 
certainty 
tlje  same 
w  I  edge  of 
rned  tlur- 
return  to 
LJthods  of 


t.-c  %: 


•i  ' 
u 


'x  • 


■ill'' 


^i  ■  a1S»' 


m.*:, 


ig  seasc  ' 
■eijuejited 
lids,  with 
oveinents 
id  are  in 

journey. 

families, 
e  suj)p]y 


ut   when 
■  for  the 

!  or  asso- 


I  li 


' '   ( 


li  ,    1 !     f^ 


Plate  XVI.  Pagk  lOti. 

KPAKKOW  HAWK. 

Lciiirtli.  ll-()(i  inclics.  M,,/,:  Imck  rciMish  liniwii  and  l>l;ick,  wiiiii-Cdvorts 
slaty  lilui".  tail  nMldisli  brown  inaikiMl  with  lilack  ami  wiiiit' ;  iimlcr  luirts 
\vat?liiHl  witli  ruttt.v  and  spotted  witli  iiiack.  l-\inah\  ItarU.  wind's,  and  tail 
barred  with  reddish  brown  and  black  ;  under  parts  white,  streaked  with  red- 
dish brown. 


^1 


ll  I 


MANNER  OF  MIGRATION. 


55 


ciated  with  the  yonng.  Some  fly  by  day,  some  by  niglit, 
and  others  l)y  hotli  day  and  night.  This  fact  was  first 
established  by  Mr.  William  P>re\vstor,  who,  in  his  admi- 
rable memoir  on  Bird  Migi-ation,  writes :  "  Tiniid.  seden- 
tary, or  feel)le-winged  birds  migrate  by  night,  because 
they  are  either  afraid  to  venture  on  long,  exposed  jour- 
neys by  daylight,  or  unable  to  continue  these  journeys 
day  after  day  without  losing  irueh  time  in  stopping  to 
search  for  food.  By  taking  the  nights  for  traveling 
they  can  devote  the  days  entirely  to  feeding  and  ^'esting 
in  their  favorite  haunts.  Good  exam2)les  arc  Thi'ushes 
(except  the  Robin),  Wrens,  Warblers,  and  Vireos. 

"  Bold,  restless,  strong-winged  birds  migrate  chiefly, 
or  very  freely,  by  day,  because,  being  accustomed  to  seek 
their  food  in  open  situations,  they  are  indifferent  to  con- 
cealment, f.nd  being  further  able  to  accomplish  long  dis- 
tances rapidly  and  with  slight  fatigue,  they  can  ordi- 
narily spare  sufficient  time  by  the  way  for  bi'ief  stops 
in  places  where  food  is  abundant  and  easily  obtained. 
Under  certain  conditions,  however,  as  when  crossing 
large  bodies  of  water  or  regions  scantily  supplied  witli 
food,  they  are  sometimes  obliged  to  travel  partly,  or  per- 
haps even  exclusively,  by  night.  Excellent  examples  are 
the  Robin  {Merula\  Horned  Lark  {Otocork),  and  most 
Ictenda>  [Bobolink,  Blackbirds,  and  Orioles]. 

"  Jiirds  of  easy,  tireless  wing,  which  habitually  feed  in 
the  air  or  over  very  extensive  areas,  migrate  exclusively 
by  day,  because,  being  able  either  to  obtain  their  usual 
sui>ply  of  food  as  they  fly,  or  to  accomplish  the  longest 
journeys  so  rapidly  that  they  do  not  require  to  feed  on 
the  way,  they  are  under  no  necessity  of  changing  their 
usual  habits.  The  best  examples  are  Swallows,  Swifts, 
and  Hawks." 

While  migrating,  birds  follow  mountain  chains,  coast- 
lines, and  particularly  river  valleys,  all  of  which  become 


># 


56 


MANNER  OF  MIGRATION. 


I: 


1 

i 


highways  of  migration,  Tlirough  telescopic  observations 
it  has  been  learned  that  migrating  birds  travel  at  a  great 
height.  The  exact  height  remains  to  be  determined,  but 
it  is  known  that  many  migrants  are  at  least  a  mile  above 
the  earth.  From  this  elevation  they  command  an  ex- 
tended view,  and  in  clear  weather  prominent  features  of 
the  l;\ndscai)e  are  doubtless  distinguishable  to  their  pow- 
erful vision  at  a  great  distance. 

It  is  when  fogs  and  storms  obscure  the  view  that  birds 
lose  their  way.  Then  they  fly  nnich  lower,  perhaps  seek- 
ing some  landmark,  and,  should  a  lighthouse  lie  in  their 
path,  they  are  often  attracted  to  it  in  countless  numbers. 
Thousands  of  birds  perish  annually  by  striking  these 
lights  during  stormy  fall  weather.  In  the  s])ring  the 
weatlier  is  more  settled  and  fewer  birds  are  killed. 

Although  birds  are  guided  mainly  by  sight,  liearing  is 
also  of  assistance  to  them  on  their  migrations,  indeed,  at 
night,  young  birds,  who  have  never  made  the  journey  be- 
fore, must  rely  largely  upon  this  sense  to  direct  them.  It 
is  diflicult  for  us  to  realize  that  on  favorable  ni<>hts  durin<>: 
the  migratory  season  myriads  of  birds  are  passing  through 
the  dark  and  apparently  deserted  air  above  us.  Often 
they  are  so  numerous  as  to  form  a  continuous  stream,  and 
if  we  listen  we  mav  hear  their  voices  as  thev  call  to  one 
another  while  flying  rapidly  onward. 

Some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  multitude  cf  birds 
which  throng  the  upper  air  on  favorable  nights  during 
their  migration  by  using  a  telescope.  One  having  a  two- 
inch  object  glass  will  answer  the  purpose.  It  should  be 
focused  on  the  moon,  when  the  birds  in  passing  are  sil- 
houetted against  the  glowing  background.  At  the  proper 
focal  distance  they  appear  with  startling  distinctness.  In 
some  cases  each  wing-beat  can  be  detected,  and  with  a 
large  glass  it  is  even  possible  to  occasionally  recognize 
the  kind  of  bird. 


M 


'■* .-  '  ■      ;■  *^,"' 


I     \ 


Plate  XVII.  Page  107. 

SHARP-SHINNED  HAWK. 

Length  of  malo,  ll-2r)  inches;  of  fcnuUc,  lliJO  inches.  Adult,  upper  parts 
slaty  gray  ;  under  i)arts  wiiito  and  rusty  brown.  Voimg.  \\\^\^^>\•  parts  black- 
ish brown  ;  under  parts  white,  streaked  with  rusty  brown. 


I 


^ 


!:i' 


'{  , 


II  i 


!'    I 


(iii      ! 


^111 


MANNER  OP  MIGRATION. 


57 


01)servations  of  tliis  kind  kIiouIcI  1)c  made  in  Septem- 
ber, when  tlie  fall  migration  is  at  its  lieiijjlit.  On  the 
niii^ht  of  September  J{,  1SS7,  at  Tcnatly,  New  Jersey,  a 
friend  and  myself,  using  a  six-and-a-half-inch  equatorial 
glass,  saw  no  less  than  two  hundred  and  sixty-two  birds 
I'l-oss  the  narrow  angle  subtended  by  the  limbs  of  tlie 
mo(m  between  the  hours  of  eight  and  eleven.  Observa- 
tions m  ,0  several  years  later,  in  Septend)er,  from  the 
observi.ory  of  Columbia  University,  yielded  closely  simi- 
lar results. 

This  nocturnal  journey  of  birds  may  also  be  studied 
from  lighthouses.  On  September  20,  ISDI,  I  visited  the 
Bartholdi  Statue  of  tlie  (iroddess  of  Liberty,  in  New  York 
Bay,  for  this  purpose.  The  weather  was  most  fasorable. 
The  iirst  bird  was  observed  at  eight  o'clock,  and  for 
the  succeeding  two  hours  others  were  constantly  heard, 
though  comparatively  few  were  seen.  At  ten  o'clock  it 
began  to  rain  ;  and  almost  simultaneously  there  was  a 
marked  increase  in  the  number  of  birds  about  the  light, 
and  within  a  few  minutes  there  were  hundrefls  where 
before  there  was  one,  while  the  air  was  tilled  with  the 
calls  of  the  passing  host. 

From  the  balcony  wliich  encircles  the  torch  the  scene 
was  impressive  beyond  descri])tion.  We  seemed  to  have 
torn  aside  the  veil  which  shrouds  the  mysteries  of  the 
night,  and  with  the  searching  light  exposed  the  secrets 
of  Nature. 

By  far  the  larger  number  of  birds  hurried  onward  ; 
others  hovered  before  us,  like  Ilnnimingbirds  before  a 
flowei',  then  ilew  swiftly  by  hito  the  darkness  ;  and  some, 
apparently  l)linded  l)y  the  brilliant  rays,  sti'uck  the  statue 
slightly,  or  with  sufficient  force  to  cause  them  to  fall  dead 
or  dying.  At  daybreak  a  few  stragglers  were  still  wing- 
ing their  way  southward,  but  before  the  oun  rose  the 
flight  was  over. 
10 


5f^ 


ORKHN  OF   MKUiATION. 


Or'iij'in  of  Mitji'ittioii. — Why  do  Itinls  iiii<;rjitr  ?  It 
in  true  tliut  in  ti'iiipcniU'  and  Itoruul  rt'<?i()ii.s  tliu  ivturii 
of  cold  weiitluM-  rol)rt  them  of  tlioir  food,  and  they  retreat 
southward.  I>ut  many,  in  fact  most,  birds  bej^in  their 
southern  journey  lonjj;  before  the  first  fail  frost.  We 
have  seen  tliat  some  species  start  as  early  as  July  and 
Aujfust.  Furtlierniore,  there  are  many  birds  that  come 
to  our  (iulf  and  South  Atlantic  States  to  nest,  and  when 
the  breediuijf  season  is  over  they  return  t(t  the  tro])ics. 
Surely,  a  lower  tem[)erature  can  not  be  said  to  comj)el 
them  to  mi;nrate.  Even  more  remarkable  than  the  south- 
ward journey  in  tlie  fall  is  the  northward  journey  in  the 
spring.  Our  birds  leave  their  winter  homes  in  the  tropics 
in  the  heiinht  of  the  tropical  sprin<jj,  when  insect  and  vege- 
table food  is  daily  increasing.  They  leave  tliis  land  of 
plenty  for  one  from  which  the  snows  of  winter  have 
barely  disapj)eared,  often  coming  so  early  that  unseason- 
able weather  forces  them  to  retreat. 

I  believe  that  the  origin  of  this  great  pilgrimage  of 
countless  millions  of  birds  is  to  be  foutid  in  the  existence 
of  an  annual  nesting  season.  In  my  opinion,  it  is  exactly 
p.iralleled  by  the  migration  of  shad,  salmon,  and  other 
tishcs  to  their  spawning  grounds,  and  the  regular  return 
of  seals  to  their  breeding  rookeries. 

Most  animals  have  an  instinctive  desire  for  seclusion 
during  the  pei-iod  of  reproduction,  and  when  this  season 
approaches  will  seek  some  retired  part  of  their  haunts  or 
i-aiige  ill  whicii  to  bring  forth  their  young.  Salmon  may 
travel  a  thousand  miles  or  more  from  the  ocean,  and, 
leaping  the  rapids  or  other  barriers  in  their  way,  finally 
reach  the  headwaters  of  some  river  where  their  eggs 
may  be  deposited  in  safety.  Seals  migrate  with  regu- 
larity to  certain  islands,  where  their  young  are  born. 
Even  our  domesticated  Hens,  Turkeys,  Ducks,  and  Pea- 
fowl, if  given  freedom,  will  travel  a  greater  or  less  dis- 


1 


ate  ?  It 
le  return 
y  rutre;it 
^in  tlii'ir 

KSt.       Wl" 

July  iind 
liat  collie 
11(1  when 
tropics. 
)  coiiijjel 

lit!  KOlltll- 

jy  in  the 
le  tropics 
11  id  veijc- 
1  laud  of 
iter  have 
luseiison- 

iina<:;e  of 

existence 

s  exactly 

id  other 

r  return 

seclusion 
is  season 
liauuts  or 
Inoii  may 
[an,  and, 

',  finally 
[eir  eggs 

th  regu- 

I'e  horn. 
Ind  Pea- 

1  less  dis- 


Plate  XVIII.  I'AOE  107. 

AMERICAN  OSPIJEY. 

Lt'iiy,lli.  "ili-OO  iiiclit's.     rpiMT  iiiirts  liniwiiisli  liliick  ;  iiapc  iiml  iiiuli'i'  imits 

wliite  ;  lii'Ciist  niiU'ki'il  willi  iii'ayisli  hidwii. 


ORIGIN  OF  MIOUATION. 


60 


tnnoc  in  Roarcli  of  a  pliico  wlicre  they  may  conceal  their 

IlCHtH. 

Many  Hpecicw  of  tnniical  Kca  birds  resort  eadi  year  to 
8OII10  HH'ky  islet,  situated  perhajw  in  the  heart  of  their 
r.m^e,  wiiere  they  may  nest  in  safety.  This  is  imt  nn<fra- 
tion  as  we  understand  the  word  ;  hut,  nevertheless,  the 
ohject  is  the  san»e  as  that  which  prompts  a  I'lover  to 
travel  to  the  arctic  re«];ions ;  moreover,  tlie  movement  is 
just  as  regular.  These  sea  birds  pass  their  livens  in  the 
tropics,  their  prciscnce  or  abseiu-e  in  any  part  ()f  their 
ran^e  iteiiijjj  Iar<^ely  de|»endent  upon  tlie  supply  (»f  food. 
Hut,  as  in  tlie  case  of  the  Warbler  which  mij^rates  fn»m 
South  America  to  liabrador,  they  are  annually  affected 
by  an  im[)ulse  which  urj^es  them  to  hasten  t.  a  certain 
place.  Tiiis  impidse  is  perioilic,  and  in  a  sense  is  com- 
mon to  all  birds.  There  is  a  re_<;ular  nestin;.^  season  in 
the  tropics,  just  as  there  is  a  regular  nesting  season  in  the 
arctic  regions. 

Th(M'e  is  good  reason,  therefore,  for  the  belief  that 
the  necessity  of  securing  a  liome  in  which  tlicir  young 
could  be  reared  was,  as  it  still  is,  the  cause  of  migration. 
It  nuist  be  remetnbered,  however,  that  birds  lia\e  been 
migrating  for  ages,  and  that  the  present  conditions  are 
the  result  of  numerous  and  important  climatic  changes. 
(^hief  among  these  is  doubtless  the  Glacial  period.  In- 
deed, I)r,  Allen  lias  stated,  and  the  theory  has  been  gen- 
erally accepted,  that  the  migration  of  birds  was  the  out- 
come of  the  (llacial  period.  That  their  journeys  were 
greatly  iiu-reased  ami  the  habit  of  migration  extended 
during  the  ice  age  is  a])parently  undeniable,  Init,  although 
previous  to  the  Glacial  period  a  warm  temperate  climate 
prevailed  nearly  to  the  northern  ]>ole,  there  must  even 
then  have  been  sufficient  differeiu'e  between  winter  and 
summer  climate  to  render  a  certain  amount  of  migration 
necessary.     Furthermore,  there  is  a  well- defined  niigra- 


,^.' 


i  l\ 


60 


ORIGIN  OP  MIGRATION. 


!      1 


I 


tion  in  tlic  sdutheni  liciiiispliere,  wliorc  no  evidences  of 
irlacijition  liavo  iis  vet  been  discovered. 

As  I  have  sai<l,  the  e.\isti)i<>;  conditions  are  the  result 
of  changes  which  have  been  active  for  ages.  'No  8j)eeies, 
therefore,  has  accjuired  its  present  summer  range  at  one 
step,  liut  by  graihially  adding  new  territory  to  its  breed- 
ing ground.  For  example,  certain  of  our  Eastern  birds 
are  evidently  derived  through  Mexico,  and  in  returning 
to  their  winter  quarters  in  Central  America,  they  travel 
through  Texas  and  Mexico  and  are  unknown  in  Florida 
aiul  the  West  Indies.  Otiiers  have  come  to  us  through 
Florida,  and  in  returning  to  their  winter  (juarters  do  not 
pass  through  either  Texas  or  ^lexico.  This  is  best  illus- 
trated by  the  IJobolink,  an  Eastern  bird  which,  breeding 
from  Xew  -Jersey  northward  to  Kova  Scotia,  has  spread 
westward  until  it  has  reached  I'tah  and  northern  Mon- 
tana. But — and  here  is  the  interesting  point — these  birds 
of  the  far  West  do  not  follow  tlieir  neighboi's  and  migrate 
southward  through  the  (lireiit  I'asin  into  ^Fexico,  but, 
true  to  their  inherited  hal)it,  leti-ac  e  theii-  steps,  and  leave 
the  United  States  by  the  roundabout  way  of  Florida, 
crossing  thence  to  Cuba,  Jamaica,  and  Yucatan,  and  win- 
tering south  of  the  Amazon.  The  l)oboliid-:s  of  Utah 
did  not  learn  tliis  route  in  one  generation  ;  they  inherited 
the  experience  of  countless  generations,  slowly  acquired 
as  the  species  extended  its  range  westward,  and  in  return- 
ing across  the  continent  they  give  us  an  excellent  illustra- 
tion of  the  stability  of  routes  of  migration. 

They  furnish,  too,  an  instance  of  one  of  the  nu)st 
important  factors  in  migration — that  is,  the  certainty 
with  which  a  bird  returns  to  the  region  of  its  birth. 
This  is  further  evidenced  by  certain  sea  l)irds  which 
nest  on  isolated  islets  t(»  which  they  regularly  return 
each  year. 

Of  this  wonderful  "homing  instinct,"  which  plays  so 


ences  of 


lie  result 
)  sjjecies, 
>;e  iit  one 
ts  brced- 
LTii  birds 
•etxiruing 
ey  travel 
II  Florida 
;  tlinnio;li 
rs  do  not 
lest  ilhis- 
hreedins; 
las  spread 
n-ii  Mon- 
lese  birds 
d  migrate 
iico,  but, 
aiul  leave 
Florida, 
and  win- 
of  ITtali 
inlierited 
accjuired 
u  return- 
It  illustra- 

Itlie  most 
I  certainty 
lits  birth. 
U  wliic'li 
ly  return 

plays  so 


*     ,.-' 

■      ?*v» 

."■'■''■ 

■^:; 

r-''\ 

w 

"i^ 

•i..  ^. 

.¥ 

',,4 

.<.•»„- 

,■  ■>', 

■■\  -'i: 

fi 

'■t'^i- 

■-■>^ 

■>, 

i 

\     ' 

fi 

r:    ..  «i« 

i 

A 

'■:.-■    % 


■5  rtf 


^' 


'^'-j;.- 


^' 


■B 


60 


OltlGIN  OF  MIGRATION. 


tioii  in  rlit"'  s..iithera  li(MHiM)li(;r<'.  wtKrcno  evidences  of  • 

•  * 

irlaninfioH  iiavj  us  vofc  been  disco v't-ruii. 

As  f'  liiivt'  i^aid,  the  existing  cop.ditio!!.'*  are  the  rcsidt 
of  e!uui'4f.'-<  wh.ii'h  liivt!  ]'bt'u  i(V;tiv(   fi>r  afivs.     ISo  species 
theref"ro.  li;i«   ut'unired  ir-   5>rt'sotii  ^iii-nuer  raiitjff' at  "nc^ 
step,  iMit  ity  j^riddaHy  jvi'l.iti;:  iiew  tvi-itory  to'  its  'irecf'- 
iniX  i;T<tiniil.      For  exui  i|i'i;..  "sTtaiu  oi   onr  Ivii^UTi!  hirds 
•>i\-  evi/K.'iif!v  derived  tijr"<;!    Mtxic".  luid  in  roMivuiiiii' 
to  tlieir  winter  (.llulrter^:  »'.    '  •■Jyui  Ain<ric.'i.  t!u^y  tTfivel 
throujijti  Tfxa.s  aad  Mi  ss.S'   .^-il  ^sn-  iud-;n< wji  i'j  Florida 
und   the  W.'i-t  Iiidius.     ' 't;*}^.;',  }<^»m>  •  •  i-k' t,i  u-;  tluvm^rli 
l"'!.irid!i,  niid   in  r<'m<'ni;i;:  •      ':<  «t  vrinti.'- tjiiarliTs  do  unt; 
p:t>H  t!iron_u:ii  eithf  r  Ti.'xij^    •    ''4.  siro,     Tldi^  ii^  liC.-t  illu.->- 
trate(i  i<x  tii'j  lJo!n,>Iink.   hu   \>.    h;.; 
from    Nvw -ici-aoy  nor;  •,.vj,«.-'   '      ^ 
svotward  initil  it  hi>9  tx.'!!'  'i^'   ^  "■■ 
taim.     Bill — and  here  is  !' '  »' •      ■" 
o!  Mu'  far  VvOt,  do  Tii»t  fo.i-  . 
soutlp.vtird    throngli   the   <<rt    ■     .'• 
true  to  tiioir  inheriie-.i  hahil,  k  uy: 
the    I'nit.'d   States  hy  the    n  '^*.< - 
erossini:  iheticc  t><  Cii])a,  .hirukt    '. 
luri'iiT  .soiirli  nf  Th>'    \'<.-i?.'ii'-      ' 
ilid  »■>!  io;ii'ii  this  roMl  '  in  one  py:'.i- 
tite  >'vpcrieu('e  d'  eounth-NS  y-eju-;':MMU8, --lowly  acijuired 
at^tiie  specif',-  •'.vteiided  h»  ranf.re  WivuMiri.  an<i  in  v  inrn- 
in:^  .uroM  the  <-ontineJit  they  give  !•>•   ■;!  exfelient  iUuhtni- 
tiiui  of  the  .-taliility  of  routes  .-f  mi:^i"uiOh. 

llh'S'  furinKli,  voo.  '.in  Jni-fHjiee  oS  nijo  «.f  the  most, 
iinporiaut  t'netoi^  in  nn.:rr''t:;ni— tf:;U  is.  th.e  eertainty 
wivli  whi'.'h  a  hird  reiurnf-',  to  the  n>i;ion  oi'  iu-  hirth. 
This  is  f;irther  ovidcju'ed  hy  ei  rtain  sea  itirds  widcti 
nc-t   on   isol:\ied    islets   ;o    whicM    tlu.-y   ri-iju'ariy   rcthni 

eriril  year. 

Of  tUit^  wonderl'u!  '*  iioituntr  iMstinct.."  which  j'lays  i-o 


hdrd  \vie":!i.  hi'eo(h!n<j>' 
vfi  St'ulift.  lias  spread 
wnd  Moriheni   Mon- 

,','/'.'  I'l.-M  iU'd  iiiii;Tatii 

.;;:■!    MeNJi  •>,    hnt. 

".     >irp?,  and  leave 

■  ■  N    .Mi\:  'd'    Idoriti.'i, 


f  IW.t^. 


i',\'.'.]  win 


* '•••!!<.! inks-  of  (tah 
I'ln  ;  tijev  inherited 


4 


inccs  v>f  • 

e  result 

I:  at  inm^  ■ 
h  hrcc'- 
vu  hiids 
^tuviiinsi' 
'V  tVsivfi 
Florid  la 
llutnijrU 
V  do  in»t. 

!»reediny    • 

I    Ml'dti 

I  mi!>r;i1u 

:ii  o,    hilt, 

LI  (I  I  ienv«; 

■"'oi'idf^ 

,')'.'.i  wiu- 

,-T    I'tah 

u!i('rir*'.<i 

;t(i(Uii'<''.l 

•  most" 

•«'i-miTity 

iurth. 

which 

;-ct.\tni 


Plate  XIX.  Page  109. 

SHORT-EARED  OWL. 
Lenstli,  15-50  inolins.     V\)\wr  parts  black,  bull;  and  rusty;  under  parts  white 
and  brownish  bhick  ;  eyes  yellow. 


V 


ORIGIN  OP  MIGRATION. 


\. 


61 


vital  a  part  in  the  migration  of  birds,  I  have  no  explana- 
tion to  offer.  We  know,  however,  that  it  exists  not  only 
in  birds  but  in  many  other  animals.  It  -i  this  instinct, 
aided  by  the  "heredity  of  habit,"  which  guides  a  bird 
to  its  nesting  ground.  The  Carrier  Pigeon  is  taught  its 
lines  of  flight  by  gradually  extending  its  journeys;  a 
species  establishes  its  routes  of  migration  by  gradually 
extending  its  range. 


.'/ 


! 


I  ■ 


'  i 


I 


K   I 


|«V) 


ii'i 


1: 


CHAPTER  V. 
THE  VOICE   OF  BIRDS.* 

AsTBE  from  the  pleasure  to  be  derived  from  the  calls 
and  soiiffs  of  birds,  their  notes  are  of  interest  to  us  as 
their  medium  of  expression.  No  one  who  has  elosely 
studied  birds  will  doubt  that  they  have  a  language,  limited 
though  its  vocabulary  may  be. 

Sony. — Song  is  a  secondary  sexual  character,  generally 
restricted  to  tlio  male.  With  it  he  woos  his  mate  and 
gives  voice  to  the  joyousness  of  nesting  time.  In  some 
instances  vocal  nuisic  may  be  replaced  by  instrumental^ 
as  in  the  case  of  the  drunnning  wing-beat  of  the  (Jrouse, 
or  the  bill-tattoo  of  the  Woodpeckers,  both  of  which  are 
analogous  to  song. 

The  seasoji  of  song  corresponds  more  or  less  closely 
with  the  mating  season,  th<nigh  some  s[)ecies  begin  to 
sing  long  before  their  courting  days  are  near.  Others 
may  sing  to  some  extent  throughout  the  year,  but  the 
real  song  period  is  in  the  spring. 

Many  l)irds  have  a  second  song  period  immediately 
after  the  completion  of  their  postbreeding  molt,  but  it 
usually  lasts  only  for  a  few  days,  and  is  in  no  sense  com- 
parable to  the  true  season  of  song.  This  is  heralded  by 
the  Song  Sparrow,  whose  sweet  chant,  late  in  February, 

*See  Witchell,  The  Evolution  of  Bird  Sonp  (:\Incmill!in  Co.). 
Bickiiell,  A  Stmly  of  the  Singing  of  Our  Hinls;  The  Auk  (New  York 
city),  vol.  i.  1S84."  pp.  GO-71,  120-140,  209-318,  322-332;  vol.  ii,  1885, 
pp.  144-154,  249-2G2. 


t«. 


II 


the  calls 
to  us  as 
8  closely 
3,  limited 

jjciicrally 
nate  and 
In  some 
■umental 
!  Grouse, 
'liicli  are 

doselv 
)e<j;ln  to 

Others 
l)ut  the 

lediately 
but  it 

ise  com- 
Ided  by 
bruary, 

llliin  Co.). 

!^cw  York 

1.  ii,  1885, 


'llAI'l'^  V 


;b>'   \''tf('K 


I  .  '  'S 


I"    I 


I  . 


is    '1 


\^     : 


Ami.',   frw''.  -  ■    r 
as  in  li..-  <\iM.-    <■'  I ','. 

'.iHilU:<^'!i.-    *0   '*t'l!L- 

\v'.i,l!    trie    jfrMii   ..•    ••    . 
'11)1  "•■  ^il\:x   t(.   Hi  til,- 

Hit    Si>'!r?    j.iOcl(ii|    ;      • 

^lany  hini.-  h.iv 

p;i:  ihip  r  .  tl  f  1 ;  n:  '^'■■-. 
till    So?''::    Sj>;i;-iii\\ ,  w  ' 

»  >,..     \Viu,\..  ■:    '!!•,     ' 
•'vv'kiii',,  A  Si.  'iy     ■'    ' 

,':  .-r..;.  i,  :>M  ;,,.  ..  : 


"■  ..-l 


'      il'fti'l-.-t.    I.>    i).-    -.i.-i 

■    ■•    ■  ■.vlio    !:,!.-    ,'!i.t1v 

Hn;/(iu4ri'.  ii'iiiti'ij 

1- I.  ;:•'!'      I'ly 
V       •  ■'■    'i!;'.t      .Mid 

■    •      •  i  !1   ><.iU{- 

■  ■  '■-;;..  •'  ■        '  •  :"  .v.l.i]. 

-•;  „.    ..  .i;i;-.iv,.'      ■   :        '  •  .  -iisr, 

X'T      !     Ml  ...,l"  '.-.  iiic.'!  urc     , 

'     J-     (I     ■fi       ■  H       '.    •        <■](  S(,|'.- 
'1     -:.■:;:••         ■:•    '  '  'ii-m     T'l 

.'-  '\>\   ■     ...       •  if.     <  >tiK'r- 

>',i^  f"'\-^  '-'■  II'.  i  i''i!iiv'i'':iri-i V 
■;:■  p;"-l  '.;>(;  Mr;  Tri-.i;,  !ii;t  ii 
^1  ■, "..  .11''    ■    ;:i  in'  ;-('n-.c  •  .  .m 

■I'.-' !   t  ■!  .^■,  '•!!<    .i\  r  ))iii;iry, 

'""    i    -'   ■,.:    ■  \I'..   ■.■,'.-n    ?\.  ■.. 

■  "        ■     ;.     ■  !..   .\  i-;^  1  y  .-V  \"..-i 


•■■-■»')»<«.•■>)?*,-  wjTf.r- 


lo    il,"     :i.-i 

,i.-   i'!(!-t!v 

;■•'.  :i'iiiti.'!i 
;;■'■('        Illy 

'i!;it      /'Uii 

'1    .-Hi' 

il  :St  i'.' 
■lil  T'l 
>ti"'l'- 

'  .■•l!l 


1         I    ■^■•■•"">, 


Plate  XX.  P^ge  no. 

SCREECH  OWL. 

Lon^'tli,  940  inolios.  Upper  parts  ^rn,y,  or  brijjht  reddish  brown,  and 
black ;  under  parts  white,  avixy,  or  bright  reddish  brown,  and  blaek ;  eyes 
yellow. 


^y-^i 


rr::a^A».jw.-i«-tti-i:juC*T*J-j 


VOICE  OF  BIRDS. 


03 


is  a  most  welcome  promise  of  spring.  Tlien  follow  the 
Rol)in8,  Blackbirds,  and  other  migrants,  until,  late  in 
May,  the  great  springtime  chorus  ie  at  its  height. 

The  Bobolink  is  the  first  bird  to  desert  die  choir. 
We  do  not  often  hear  him  after  July  5.  Soon  he  is  fol- 
lowed by  the  Veery,  and  each  day  now  shows  eoii'e  fresh 
vacancy  in  the  ranks  of  the  feathered  singerp^  iintil  by 
August  5  we  have  left  only  the  Wood  Pewee,  Indigo 
Bunting,  and  Red-eyed  Vireo — tireless  songsters  who 
fear  neither  midsummer  nor  midday  heat. 

Call-Notes. — The  call-notes  of  birds  are  even  more 
worthy  of  our  attention  than  are  their  songs.  Song  in 
the  outburst  of  a  special  emotion  ;  call-notes  form  the 
language  of  every  day.  Many  of  us  are  familiar  with 
birds'  songs,  but  who  knows  their  every  call-note  and 
who  can  tell  us  what  each  call  means  ?  For  they  have  a 
meaning  that  close  observation  often  makes  intelligible. 

Listen  to  the  calls  of  the  Robin  and  learn  how  unmis- 
takably he  expresses  suspicion,  alarm,  or  extreme  fear ; 
how  he  signals  cheerfully  to  his  coujpanions  or  gives  the 
word  to  take  wing.  Study  the  calls  of  the  Crow  or  Blue 
Jay,  and  you  will  find  that  they  have  an  apjmrently  ex- 
haustless  vocabulary. 

It  is  supposed  that  birds,  like  men,  do  not  inherit 
their  language,  but  acquire  it.  Thus  there  are  recorded 
instances  of  young  birds  who  had  been  isolated  from 
others  of  their  kind,  learning  to  sing  whatever  song  they 
heard.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  said  that  a  bird  inherits 
its  own  notes,  at  least  to  some  extent,  and,  while  it  may 
not  sing  the  song  of  its  species  perfectly,  its  song  will 
still  be  sufficiently  characteristic  to  be  recognizable. 
There  are,  however,  very  few  satisfactory  observations 
on  this  subject,  and  keepers  of  cage-birds  have  here  an 
excellent  opportunity  for  original  investigation. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
THE  NESTING  SEASON.* 

If  you  would  re<ally  know  birde,  yon  must  study  them 
dnriuj^f  ncstin<>'  time.  At  this  season  tliey  develop  habits 
that  you  will  be  surprised  to  learn  they  ])(tssess.  The 
humble  owner  of  some  insignificant  call-note  now  tills  the 
role  of  a  skilled  musician.  The  graceful,  leisurely  Marsh 
Ilawk  gives  vent  to  his  feelings  in  a  series  of  aerial  som- 
ersaults over  the  meadows;  the  sedate,  dignilied  Wood- 
cot'k  tries  to  express  his  emotions  by  means  of  spiral  evo- 
lutions which  carry  him  far  above  his  usual  haunts;  the 
Night-IIawk  dives  earthward  with  needless  recklessness ; 
in  fact,  birds  seem  inspired  by  the  joy  of  the  season,  and 
all  the  brightness  of  a  May  morning  is  reflected  in  their 
voices  and  actions. 

TSfating  over,  there  follow  the  marvels  of  nest-lmild- 
ing  with  its  combined  evidences  of  instinct  and  intelli- 
gence. In  due  time  the  young  appear,  and  the  bird,  now 
a  parant,  abandons  the  gay  habits  of  the  suitor,  and  de- 
votes every  waking  moment  to  the  care  of  its  young. 

2'hne  of  Kei<tii)g. — AVith  most  birds  the  nesting  season 
is  periodic  and  annual.  With  migratoiy  birds  it  coin- 
cides with  the  season  of  the  year  when  their  summer 
homes  are  habitable.     But  we  might  suppose  that  the 


*  Read  In  Nesting  Time,  Little  Brothers  of  the  Air,  and  other 
works  by  Olive  Thorne  Miller.  A-Iiirding  on  a  Broncho,  by  Florence 
A.  Merriam  (Houghton,  Mifflin  &  Co.;. 

64 


Ff-IM 


t  I 


tndy  thern 
sloj)  habits 
iess.  TIio 
ivv  fills  the 
ely  Marsh 
c'rial  suin- 
0(1  AVood- 
ipiral  ovo- 
uiits;  the 
<Ies8ne88 ; 
asoii,  and 
I  in  their 

t-build- 
intelli- 
)ir(l,  now 
and  de- 

g  season 
it  coin- 
snmmer 
•af,  the 


ind  other 
Florence 


■i'- 


:.^?r 


*4F 


w 


S    f 


;'*^.^ 


m 


'"^  ■'^iji**'*"'' 


''%m 


V  >i;-h-:,i\^: 


I    .■,.,;.|       \    I 


i« 

fi 

1 

A 

«l 

1 

i 

i 
i 

tSM 


r 


] 


J 


ii    i 


.  ■?  UTKi;    ■.  ! 


YHV     ^*«-r'NU 


(|i;it    3  Mil  wii!    '<(         I  ^ 

hU!l  'til.'  O-A'K'!'  '    '     • 
roil-  n'\   :i   'il,nir'l    '  ■     '     - 

'  r-;iu;ts  i.\  cr    "  ■.• 

■•*!(  k  iii,"'-  'n  !  \ j,  .  -    • 

llniwM'.  will.  '    "  ,1  r     •.,. 

Ai-i.i  ir:..v'  .1  ■>..     . 
•:i  !':!*•!.  ii;nl.   m,", 

Mar!:;u;  ''i-  v;\  '  't  • 
;;'i»;  u  li ii  if>   >Mii!!«ii..'' 
,::'i.-'i''c.      Ill  ,|i|M  '.  ;i,',    ; :  . 
:>.    ]ial'rn%  .;  fi;!;;it  r ,  -    :!,,,•    ; 
>  • -ti':- .l-Vi-i",     W;i!s!li„'    )!iiif 

!^  )n'n,i>|ic'  iif.ii    ii.:!>i  i' 
t'iiJoM   Willi    i  !(■    -fa    i!i    .t 


V    hi-    !■•'.    V  ./.I    UlU.St   r'-tl'.ii  .    tln-iP 

•I-'    ■■•■>-'  ■':■"■:   i]>:\'i'\>>l>  liilliit,-' 

U>     leif'  ■•',     j  I..--....-..        Til..; 

••.ti'M!'!  '■■■■■    !  '•<■  nnw  HI!--  li.r 
'  ■'■  -.:;m'.  i        '     -  ,t,-h   M-!i>!, 
V    \"  •;  -!■;  i  ■-    •'  -ti  rini   ^.mp 
:^.-         ii.ii',  .'.  .■;-;      i  \V,.(.<1 

■  ■■  ■  li..  ^■■■-.  ■>'    :  •'    ■  .'X',.^ 

'  •'■       ■  -'ri!   •.,    ,:,'■.  ;    Iii,; 

•..:        ■         -     •■•   >-,  Mr  .>,..,-..,; 

''  ■      '-.  -.-"'I.   ;ui<' 

I'r-  i.'  •!-i"r 

'!''•!■■.■        ■■      •    ;u  •-'   Siiii.' . 

■-    '[>|>i  '.; .   .  ■■!  ■■.!■  'i;rii,  n  iv 

'»'■  .-ur.-  'f  its  V'  •!,  ^■. 

'nit^;-;tr  ir\     (.ir'l-;   i;    .'.li;!- 
- *'''i!'   '^  :!'■■     !iii-ir  ,-imiiiti-r 

•     nii';;'i      Nli!';<-''-0    li,:il     (!,■•  . 


I 


V^V».»P!-..^.l**,,~.- 


--*n. 


lill- 


'  !  'I' 


Plate  XXI.  Paoe  111. 

BARRED  OWL. 

Loiif^tli,  20-f)0  iiiclics.     I'ppcr  piirts  lilaokish  brown  and  white;  under 

parts  \vhit(^  and  blackish  l>ro\vn;  cyos  t)la(>k. 


^ 


[ .     «; 


ill 

il 


n 


I  1:1    '' 


.^ 


ii  i 


Si 


MATING. 


65 


porinancTit  residents  of  the  tropics,  where  seasonal  changes 
are  less  marked,  could  nest  at  any  time.  Nevertheless, 
the  breeding  season  in  the  tropicus  is  as  well  defined  as  it 
is  hi  more  northern  regions,  and  occurs  with  the  return 
of  sunmier,  or  the  season  of  rains.  It  is  therefore  at  a 
time  of  the  year  when  food  is  most  abundant. 

There  is  an  o])vious  necessity  for  this  regularity.  Old 
birds  can  wander  over  large  areas  in  search  of  food,  hut 
the  young  of  many  species  nnist  be  fed  in  the  nest,  and 
their  food  supply  should  be  both  exhaustless  and  con- 
venient of  access. 

Among  our  birds,  the  Hawks  and  Owls,  whose  young 
are  fed  on  animal  food,  are  the  iirst  birds  to  nest,  while 
those  which  feed  their  young  on  fruit  or  insects  wait 
until  later  in  the  year. 

Mat'uKj. — Birds  are  iirdent  lovers.  In  their  effort  to 
win  a  bride  the  males  display  their  charms  of  song  and 
plumage  to  the  utmost,  and  will  even  enter  the  lists  to 
do  bfittle  for  the  ])ossession  of  a  mate. 

It  is  not  possible  to  describe  here  the  many  pecul- 
iar (nistoms  of  birds  during  the  season  of  courtship. 
It  may  simply  be  said  that  every  bird  will  then  re- 
pay the  closest  observation.  For  the  scientific-minded 
there  is  opportunity  to  secure  evidence  bearing  upon 
the  theory  of  Natural  Selection  ;  for  every  one  there  is 
endless  entertainment  in  the  human  traits  which  birds 
exhibit. 

The  lY^Nt. — The  first  step  in  nest-building  is  the  selec- 
tion of  a  site.  There  is  almost  no  suitable  location,  from 
a  hole  in  the  ground  to  branches  in  the  tree-tops,  in  which 
birds  may  not  place  their  nests.  Protection  seems  to  be 
the  chief  (h'fti<I<'i'<itii)n,  and  this  is  generally  secured 
through  concealment.  IMost  birds  hide  their  nests. 
Many  sea  birds,  however,  lay  their  eggs  on  the  shores 

or  cliffs,  with  no  attempt  at  concealment ;  but,  as  a  rule, 
11 


I 


r 


!  ( 


f      1.: 


i        ')■ 


.i''.fW^';W8 1  .^■^.'t'*'^ ',■"■,.' «ll|,(  J|JW!liT'.>'fl^^J'ff ''5,V**^tJV" 


■S' 


ti-,> 


■ 


I 
I 

I 

r 


I 


t      !i 


:'i^ 


66 


BIRDS'  NESTS. 


birds  that  nest  in  tliis  manner  resort  to  uni  ihabited 
islets  and  secure  protection  through  isolation. 

Some  birds  nest  alone,  and  jealously  guard  the  vicin- 
ity of  their  home  from  the  approach  of  other  birds, 
generally  of  the  same  species.  Others  nest  in  colonies 
brought  together  by  temperament  or  community  of 
interests,  and  dwell  on  terms  of  the  closest  sociability. 

The  material  used  by  birds  in  building  their  nests 
is  as  varied  as  the  nature  of  the  sites  they  select.  Tlie 
vegetable  kingdom  contributes  much  the  largest  share. 
Grasses,  twigs,  and  rootlets  are  the  standard  materials ; 
but  plant-down,  plant-fibers,  bark,  leaves,  lichens,  clay, 
spiders'  webs,  hair,  fnr,  and  feathers  are  also  used,  while 
in  some  cases  a  gummy  secretion  of  the  salivary  glands 
furnishes  a  kind  of  glue. 

Birds  have  been  classified,  according  to  the  manner 
in  which  they  employ  these  articles,  as  weavers,  tailors, 
masons,  molders,  carpenters,  felters,  etc. 

Sometimes  both  sexes  assist  in  the  construction  of  the 
nest,  or  one  bird  collects  the  material  while  the  other 
adjusts  it.  Again,  the  female  performs  the  task  alone, 
aided  only  by  the  encouraging  voice  of  the  male. 

The  time  of  construction  varies  from  one  to  two 
weeks  to  .as  long  a?  three  montlis  in  the  case  of  the  South 
American  Ovenbird,  who  in  June  begins  to  build  the 
nest  it  will  not  occupy  until  October.  The  Fish  Hawk 
evidently  believes  in  the  value  of  a  stick  in  time,  and 
of  ton  repairs  its  nest  in  the  fall. 

Lack  of  space  prohibits  a  discussion  of  the  influences 
which  assist  in  determining  the  character  of  birds'  nests. 
They  may  be  suimnarizeil  as  follows  : 

Firiit,  necessity  for  protection. 

/Second,  conditions  imposed  by  locality.  These  affect 
both  the  site  and  material,  as  illustrated  by  Doves,  who 
nest  in  trees  in  wooded  countries  and  on  the  ground  in 


''»s«JL, 


ihabited 

he  vicin- 
er  birds, 
colonies 
unity  of 
bility. 
leir  nests 
set.  The 
ist  share, 
[laterials ; 
ens,  clay, 
led,  while 
ry  glands 


.,i»i!B.«?"*'-"V 


it 


.m 


mW^ '  ■^" 


i  manner 
•8,  tailors, 

ion  of  the 
the  other 
jisk  alone, 

to  two 

;he  South 

)uild  the 

ih  Hawk 

ime,  and 

Influences 
Ids'  nests. 


3se  affect 
Ives,  who 
[round  in 


"a*^.-^ 


-^ftji^i 


,.r 


^■*~:*iKM»a^t3mh-   .    '^■' 


•*w;J. 


¥-  ':&>« 


t 


,^' 


1    .    n' 


f' 


! 


5  i 

\  1)1' 

.r  i , 

?'  It 


fiMj 

i       it 


Mm     i 


.lliiinigii«i..  i,.pi, II    ■•• 


1 

i •,  , ,    .  t  '>  ' 


s'lis 


,  '  ir  ■.',•! 
.-,■!■  I,'! 


•  ) 


(        !■ 


•t   '\ 


"SM^^^^HpiiPIPp 


(.    v'.vR.iWtW. 


'Ul."*-.  .    I. .•>'!'-. 


.■•I,  ■■  •:.  M.v 

■■;.>'■'■.    .;  '    (■  I     vl^-iti 

'  -    '-  !'■      In-        (i.     '     ,!.'.i,!i:  • 
«  !;;       :>'■       ■'.'  .!i!l:l',.iV       ■    I' 

. .-!•-;    .'•if|.    .I'iiv 

■•;:-    if  .  ,       i-'-i  - 


I 


1 1 '    I 


<       I  V, 


'iu  .!. 


!',:.!. Ill  '• 


■-T'  ;  ■■> : 


■-^t!ti; 

,.  I.   '■■  ,!■!  •;•■■ 

I  .        j  '•(•     '   ■  "■)     :!;'.■'• 


1    '•!     ill'- 


.;  !;•!    i<l     '   1' 


! 


ti^ 


1 

■.•5 


'■HI 


'  ;i^ 


i 


■iM|i-'i 


\  i.-Ui 


■.1- 


M 


Plate  XXII.  Pacvf,  112. 

YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

L(^n,ij;th,  12-2.'i  inches.  Upper  i)iuts  .nlo.ssy  <)live-l)ro\vii ;  .rntei'  tail- 
feathers  hiaelt,  tipped  witli  white;  iiiKh-r  parts  wliile;  lower  iiiaudibie 
yellow. 


.1 


M 


3. 


■i ' 

lfe-.| 

t 

If 

s 

i 

1 

. 

1 

(III 

1  III 


BIRDS*  NESTS. 


67 


treeless  regions,  and  by  birds  who  substitute  strings, 
cotton,  or  rags  for  their  usual  nesting  materials. 

Third,  condition  of  tlie  young  at  l)irth,  whether 
feathered  or  naked.  The  young  of  wliat  are  termed 
'■  prsecocial "  birds  are  hatched  with  a  covering  of 
downy  feathers.  Gulls,  Ducks,  Snipe,  Chickens,  Par- 
tridges, and  Quails  are  familiar  members  of  this  group. 
Their  young  can  run  about  soon  after  birth,  and  a  well- 
formed  nest  is  not  needed.  But  the  young  of  "  altricial " 
bii'ds  are  hatched  practically  naked  and  are  reared  in  the 
nest,  which  is  therefore  not  only  a  receptacle  for  the  eggs 
during  incubation,  but  a  home.  Thrushes,  Sparrows,  in 
fact  all  Perching  Birds,  Woodpeckers,  Hummingbirds, 
and  many  others  belong  in  this  group  of  altricial  birds. 

Fourth,  temperament,  whether  solitary  or  social. 
Hawks,  fierce  and  gloomy,  nest  alone,  while  the  cheery, 
happy  Swallows  nest  in  colonies. 

Fifth,  structure  of  the  bird.  The  tools — that  is,  the 
bills  and  feet — of  some  birds  are  more  serviceable  than 
those  of  others.  We  should  not  expect  a  Dove  to  build 
the  woven  nest  of  an  Oriole,  nor  a  Hummingbird  to 
fashion  a  Woodpecker's  dwelling. 

Sixth,  feeding  habit.  In  some  few  cases  feeding 
habit  may  determine  the  character  of  the  nest.  For 
instance.  Woodpeckers,  in  securing  their  food  from  trees, 
often  make  large  excavations,  which  it  is  quite  natural 
they  should  have  learned  to  use  as  nests. 

Seventh,  inherited  habit,  or  instinct.  There  seems  no 
reason  to  doubt  that  birds  inherit  their  knowledge  of  nest- 
building,  for  in  several  cases  where  birds  have  been  taken 
from  the  nest  and  re:.red  alone,  they  have  afterward 
constructed  a  nest  resembHng  tlia,*-,  of  their  species.  It 
would  therefore  appear  that  inherited  habit  is  a  fact. 
Through  it  we  may  explain  not  only  the  similarity  in  the 
nests  of  the  same  species,  but   also   certain  habits  for 


08 


BIKDS'  KOGS. 


Ml' 


to'      -H: 


wliicli  we  can  pjivo  r.:.  HatiKfiictory  reason.  TlniH  the 
Crested  Flycatcher's  8traii}»-e  custom  of  uslnfjj  a  cast 
snake-skin  in  its  nostin<>;  materials  prohahly  orijjjinated 
with  the  birds  in  the  tropics,  where  it  is  still  followed 
by  nearly  rehited  species  of  Ci'ested  Flycatchers.  With 
them  there  may  he  a  reason  for  this  hahit,  hut  with  our 
l)ir(l.  livin<i;  as  it  does  under  entirely  dilferent  condition;?, 
it  i^  douhtless  otdy  an  inheritance,  survivinfj;  even  when 
the  necessity  for  it  has  ceased  to  exist. 

A\'(//if/i,  change  of  hahit.  Some  birds  are  intiuenced 
by  changes  in  tlieir  surroundings,  and  alter  their  nesting 
habits  when  it  proves  to  their  advantage  to  do  so. 
Chijnney  Swifts,  who  have  exclianged  hollow  trees,  in 
which  they  were  exposed  to  their  natural  enemies,  for 
the  comparative  safety  of  chinmcys,  are  good  examples. 
Ijut  a  far  bf  tter  one  is  given  by  that  |)rodigy  in  feathers, 
the  House  Sparrow.  Is  there  any  available  site  in  whicli 
this  thoroughly  up-to-date  bird  will  not  place  its  nest  ? 
It  has  taken  possession  of  even  the  hollow  spaces  about 
certain  kinds  of  electric  lamps,  and  has  been  observed 
repairing  its  nest  at  night  by  their  light ! 

T/ie  F-<j<jx. — Usually,  little  time  is  lost  between  the 
completion  of  the  nest  and  the  laying  of  the  eggs.  The 
number  of  eggs  composing  what  ordogists  term  a  full 
set  or  clutch  ranges  from  one  to  as  many  as  twenty.  At 
the  time  of  laying,  the  ovary  contains  a  large  number  of 
partly  formed  eggs,  of  which,  normally,  only  the  recpiired 
number  will  become  fully  developed.  But  if  the  nest  be 
robbed,  the  stolen  egg  will  freipiently  be  replaced.  The 
loiig-continued  laying  of  our  domestic  fowls  is  an  instance 
of  this  unnatural  stimulation  of  the  ovary.  Doubtless  the 
most  retnarkable  recorded  case  of  egg-laying  by  a  wild 
bird  is  that  of  a  High-hole  or  Flicker,  who,  on  being  regu- 
larly robbed,  laid  seventy-one  eggs  in  seventy-three  days! 

The  eggshell  is  composed  largely  of  carbonate  of  lime, 


iiB  the 
a  cast 
fmated 

I  lowed 

With   , 
ith  our 
UtioTis, 

II  when 

iiieiu'cd 
nesting 
do   so. 
rccs,  in 
lies,  for 
:amplcs. 
ieathers, 
n  which 
ts  nest? 
Gs  ahout 
observed 

'een  the 
The 
a  lull 
ty.     At 
miher  of 
ecpired 
nest  he 
The 
instance 
tless  the 
a  wild 
ng  regu- 
ee  days! 
s  of  lime, 


id. 


,  J^^l 


■»-!.c-»,   j/i 


^^i*4S' 


i 


1  .    .ill     i  i-Oi>  ilii-h  .■  '/  .  i:|  ,■.      .  ,  ■   .      I!  '  1. 

' •'      -■'  .-■.iiy   iii'.'ii-.'.-t.,!r;ii    im      ■■     ■ .  .  -ii 


1       I      >      -  -'M 

iti'  ■tM      .       ,  ,1 


w 


^nl 


I,  ' 


ri-l 


'     3' 


CM 


iui:"i.    |.:(i(.s. 


I 


\i'lMc  1    uc   •  all    j'i'.t      'i.'  Ill   '  ■!•<    i"i     iiii    'ri.       'I"''ii^   rtt. 

(    ,v,-Ir.)      !■  I  V  r.).;i-!|i'l-"  •      •-' !•  ML'''     i-»i>('.|M      .    i      'i-li|'_-  t^l 

,-'M^«'-"'Kii'    ill    i>    lit  ~',:  iii;il''!'i  i'.-    I'.'Vili.tli' \    i>;  i;.;;inti"| 
\vir.i:   : '  '•    i)(iii»   in    ' ,  ■ 

\y\    IM  .'ifi  '.     I'l  l.llr.l.    - ;  ■       . 

1  i|i'ii>  ll,'  M    nri*'  ill 
)iil''l,    \'\\    n  J\  :,{!■    i\     ''• 
ir   i.-   ll  -III  I !'-  •    '!'• 
ll'i'   lH'''':<-l!  \     )"!•   " 
A'',//,//,,  rl  ,i:i.  ■ 
!•',   ■  itii;./  'ill    I !. 
iD.liir-     \vi.*  ;■     '■     1' 

t    !>!|ii  ll."'     '^Vv  '■  I  r-. 

W   !|!'     il       :  .il'N'        'V  IM  ( 

I"  1,1         ■  'i)l]t :;'    ll  i\  '•    - 
i^it      .,    Ml'    'irliii'       ■•' 

!',      H..U  ..'  ••^!..i   r.    » 
'  1 1 '      :      1  f.  1 1  i  ■.'  I , '  \     111 
!»    !■  1,4  r;i.kri,    l>'i-  •'■ 

1 

<-fi-.|i|i    lu')'!-      >!"    ' 
;   •Mij'M!'.    i'  .   Ml  -si   .f 

7/,       /;;;/,-.-    I    •      , 
'•(I'l'pliM  icili    .if     •  !lf      ••      ' 
>lii'it!u.'C     lit      •':::'_'>     »'"        ;' 

!ifi  or  cliifi'!)  miiil;'-:  ;i- 

i  '■!'  rin,^'  "i'   )i'\  '''^.  t;i'    • 
I..     ' I'i   !■  'riiit'i ;  i-<:f"--.  lit     ■ 
^niClil'-I'    \\\'    I'l'"    ;..       ',<>■' 
ll'    !•.•.!,  t:,.-   ,|<'!i  1,  i-y   \- 
Im;m_^  •  .i|U  ;Ti:!'-i'  1;(\  Urj  '>'  . 
;  .  'j^  ;iiiii;iriil;ti  fiin.'' '  r 
',!i':-'    .1  ;ii'iv!a:!'ii.'    r«''''..>',', 
')''••'  '•  ''..;!  ')t'  ;i  li!..'i   '    I.' 
i,li  Iv   r-i  ''ii«V'l    1:'     .   r  -^'i  ill  \ 


■■'.1   -,     will"  ■'      il      I'     ^■ll|      '■  .1I""VC   I 

(  'rff«t(H|     !'  iy   III  I  r!  \S  itii 

,    !.,!•    till-    ipi'tif.  !jtn    ,\  I    I  1  .;:i' 

.       ■  I,  rl        'I'.'l  I'i'Ml    ill!  I""-, 

■\    ,"•<■,  •    I.I'  n"j[  '■'  '■'''  ^'^  '"'■  " 
.,  ,■.■.(, 

-...,!i.       ^.I'l-    :il'       illt!'ll'll''.'i| 

",.'•;,   :i     -1     ■   'I     r     i'.M'   .n-'  nl^: 

'  >••!       .   I  ,  •i.itn.;  •     '.       .!n     .■". 

I    .',,  .>\\<'\\     M-i  .    ■      In 

I     .r.li    fll'   IM'.  '••, 

.■•     ,.'iK>il    (    .nMiiili' 

'  :  „•',     i)i    I    ,i"  i.r"-., 

•.   :  I   i-   in    ■'  'i'    'i 

■  '     ■»>    it^^    III  -I  .' 

.  1    ■<•        .ill!    Ill 

•(.■,,    . .'.  l.-^fl". '  '  I 


t 


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,..  ,j,.,        1  ;,.■ 
.■  .      .   .  -in      .    fl,    ' 

.■^    •  ■•    li,,i'    •.       I       !  •,\  "I,!  \  .  A  I 

.1  ii;       ■'.    i:.i'.^''  IiiMiil'  ■]■  ''t 

'•iM.'i'^  ,  ""i  V   '  Ih I'.ii'l  '\ 

■pr- '         ! ".!.:   ''S  f!if  Ml-  '   1'!' 
w,, :  i  i    .  (     l\.'i  ';ii  I  '\.        \  \'.< 
.,.    -I-;,  .   .  1^    ,s  IjM    ill-l:>'l''i' 

^  '.■    .     ••       ;)....'!,i!.-s  fl,.- 
m|    .-/f.  i,;  vii':''     >i   ,1  A\  il'l 
i  I-  .  1  ,  ".  ii.i,     '.r  !"i5i;r  ITi'M 

•    '■•         ill     ;•.(■",   I     1;.'   \      t  i;f  l'<       il!l\  «   ! 


i'K       o'u-  i  ic!  I    l^      u'.Ul'   '  ■  I  i'    111  I'^'l   I  •-■  i;!"    .'ii'l.!.!., 


li'.'  (,r   lllir 


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i 


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Witi.  ^ 

■i;  v.l.'ii 

.In      ,.", 

t  )•(  .   •     in 

■■.V.   '\    '' 
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I 

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•■■•■  tt.' 

.1    \'\  '.  1'  • 


Plate  XXIII.  Page  lU. 

BELTED  KINGFISHEK. 

Length,  13'00  inclu'.s.  Mi/,;  upptT  parts l>liiisli  gray ;  iindor  parts  whito, 
a  bluish-gray  hroast-hand  aiul  sides.  I-\t)ialt\  similar,  but  breast  and 
sides  with  reddisli  brown. 


! 


!»r 


BIRDS'  EGGS. 


69 


which  is  deposited  in  layers.  The  final  layer  varies  greatly 
in  appearance,  and  may  be  a  rough,  chalky  deposit,  as  in 
Cormorants  and  others,  or  thin  and  highly  polished,  as  in 
Woodpeckers. 

The  colors  of  eggs  are  due  to  ])igments,  resembling 
bile  pigments,  deposited  by  ducts  while  the  egg  is  in  the 
oviduct.  One  or  more  of  the  layers  of  shell  may  be  pig- 
mented, and  variations  in  the  tints  of  the  same  pigment 
may  be  caused  by  an  added  layer  of  carbonate  of  lime, 
producing  the  so-called  "  clouded  "  or  "  shell  markings." 

While  the  eggs  of  the  same  species  more  or  less 
closely  resemble  one  another,  there  is  often  so  great  a 
range  of  variation  in  color  that,  unless  seen  with  the 


Fin.  24.— Etr?  of  ("I  Spotted  Rnnclpiper,  (h)  ratbird,  to  show  ditfcronoc  in 
tiizii  (.t'i'!jrjj:s  of  pi'ii'i'Ofiid  and  altricial  liirds  ot'saiiui  sizf.     (Natural  sizu.) 

parent,  it  is  frequently  impossible  to  identify  eggs  with 
certainty.  The  eggs  of  prajcocial  birds,  whose  young  are 
born  with  a  covering  of  down  and  can  run  or  swim  at 
birth,  are,  as  a  rule,  ])roportionately  larger  than  the  eggs 
of  altricial  birds,  whose  young  are  born  in  a  much  less 
advanced  condition.  This  is  illustrated  by  the  accom- 
panying figure  of  the  eggs  of  the  Spotted  Sandpiper  and 
the  Catbird. 

The  period  of  incubation  is  apparently  closely  depend- 
ent upon  the  size  of  the  egg,  and  varies  from  ten  days 
in  the  Hummingbird  to  forty  odd  in  the  Ostrich  and,  it 
is  said,  some  fifty  in  the  Emu. 


^^fmrnmrnm 


-«; 


!•- 


70 


YOUNU  BIRDS. 


Among  some  species  both  sexes  share  equally  the  task 
ol  incubation.  In  others,  the  female  is  longer  on  the 
nest,  the  male  taking  her  place  during  a  short  period  each 
day  while  she  is  feeding.  Less  frequently  the  female  is 
not  at  all  assisted  by  her  mate,  and  in  some  cases — Os- 
triches, Emus,  Phalaropes,  and  a  few  others — the  male 
alone  incubates. 

The  Young. — The  care  of  the  young  and  their  men- 
tal and  physical  develoi)ment  allord  lis  unequaled  oppor- 
tunities for  the  study  of  bird  character.  We  may  now 
become  acquainted  not  only  with  the  species  but  with 
individual  birds,  and  at  a  time  when  the  greatest  demands 
are  made  upon  their  intelligence. 

AV^e  may  see  the  seed-eaters  gathering  inserts  and  per- 
haps ])eating  them  into  a  pulp  before  giving  them  to  their 
nestlings :  or  we  may  learn  how  the  Doves,  Iligh-holos, 
and  Hummingbirds  pump  softencil  food  from  their  crops 
down  the  throats  of  their  offspring. 

The  activity  of  the  parents  at  this  season  is  amazing. 
Think  of  the  day's  work  befv)re  a  pair  of  Chickadees  with 
a  family  of  six  or  eight  fledglings  clamoring  for  food 
from  dayliijht  to  dark  ! 

But  the  young  birds  themselves  furnish  far  more  in- 
teresting and  valuable  subjects  for  study.  None  of  the 
higher  animals  can  be  reared  so  easily  without  the  aid  of 
a  parent.  AVe  therefore  can  not  only  study  their  growth 
of  body  and  mind  when  in  the  nest  and  attended  by 
their  parents,  but  we  can  isolate  the  young  of  praecociiil 
birds,  such  as  Chickens,  from  other  birds  and  study  their 
mental  development  where  they  have  no  opportunity  to 
learn  by  imitation.  In  this  way  students  of  instinct  and 
heredity  have  obtained  most  valuable  results.'^' 


*  Road  Lloyd  Morgan's  Habit  and  Instinct  (Edward  Arnold,  NuW 
York  city). 


^■■-'WijW 


the  task 
r  OH  the 
nod  each 
'emale  Is 
ises — Os- 
the  inale 

leir  inen- 
d  oppor- 
may  now 
but  with 
demands 


«:,«- 

fo 


..^.-•i'Vi. 


•4 


and  per- 
il to  their 
ii^h-holos, 
lieir  crops 


amazing. 

Idees  with 

for  food 


more  in- 
110  of  the 
lie  aid  of 
r  growth 
nided  by 
praecocial 
iidy  their 
'tunity  to 
inct  and 


mold,  Nuw 


I  f)  III  ll—l 


iili 


hi  \ 


It.     s&^ 


i:| 


fi(i  i    fe 


I   . 


V  -  '.a 


*      i*'  '■** 


^«" 


1)  '• 


i  k-' 


I   !  '« 


.^B^l 


'%_ 


I 


1J 


,¥• 


Plate  XXIV.  Page  115. 

DOWNY  WOODPECKEK. 

Lt'ti^tli.  (1-75  iiiclics.     Mil/,',  upiuM'  jxirts  lilack  and  wlutt>,  iiapt'  scarlet ; 

imiliT  parts  wliiti'.     F,-iihi/i\  similar,  Imt  no  scarlet  on  naiio. 


J 


»iwpifiwf«H 1     ■  >mm  jii  *"  -  ijwu  iipi,iwiiw(i 


' 


: 


■'C      i    '   I 


1 

t; ;  i 

IE 

;'l       ■ 

fi 

!m 

1 

CHAPTER  VII. 


HOW  TO  IDENTIFY  BIRDS. 


The  preceding  outline  of  tlie  events  which  may  enter 
into  a  bird's  life-history  has,  I  trust,  given  some  idea  of 
the  possibilities  attending  tlie  study  of  birds  in  the  field. 
We  come  now  to  the  practical  question  of  identification. 
How  are  we  to  find  birds,  and,  having  found  «.hem,  how 
are  we  to  learn  their  names  ? 

From  April  to  August  there  is  probably  not  a  min- 
ute of  the  day  when  in  a  favorable  locality  one  can  not 
see  or  hear  l)irds ;  and  there  is  not  a  day  in  the  year 
when  at  least  some  birds  can  not  be  found.  In  the  be- 
ginning, therefore,  the  tjuestion  of  finding  them  is  simply 
a  matter  of  looking  and  listening.  Later  will  come  the 
delightful  hunts  for  certain  rarer  species  wliose  acquaint- 
ance we  may  make  only  through  a  knowledge  of  their 
haunts  and  habits. 

Having  found  your  bird,  there  is  one  thing  absolutely 
necessary  to  its  identification  :  ijoii  must  see  it  dc^fiiutehj. 
Do  not  desci'il)e  a  bird  to  an  ornithologist  as  "brown, 
with  white  spots  on  its  wings,''  and  then  expect  him  to 
tell  you  what  it  is.  Woidd  yon  think  of  trying  to  iden- 
tify flowers  of  which  you  caught  only  a  glimpse  from  a 
car  window  in  passing  'i  You  did  not  see  them  definitely, 
and  at  hest  you  can  only  carry  their  image  in  your  mind 
until  you  have  opportunity  to  see  them  in  detail. 

So  it  is  with  hirds.  Do  not  be  discouraged  if  the 
books  fail  to  show  you  the  brown  bird  with  white  spots 

71 


i 


Si 


73 


now  TO  IDENTIFY  BIRDS. 


on  its  winn;8.  Probably  it  exists  only  tlirough  your  hasty 
observation. 

Ann  yourself  with  a  field-  or  opera-glass,  therefore, 
without  which  you  will  be  badly  handicapped,  and  look 
your  bird  over  with  enough  care  to  get  a  general  idea  of 
its  sizj,  form — particularly  the  form  of  the  bill — color, 
and  1  irkings.  Then — and  I  can  not  emphasize  this  too 
strongly — put  what  you  have  seen  into  ^our  note-book 
at  once.  For,  as  I  have  elsewhere  said,  "not  only  do 
our  memories  sometimes  deceive  us,  but  we  really 
see  nothing  with  exactness  until  we  attempt  to  de- 
scribe it." 

It  is  true  that  all  the  birds  will  not  pose  before  your 
glasses  long  enough  for  you  to  examine  them  at  your 
leisure,  but  miiny  of  them  will,  and  in  following  the 
others  you  will  have  all  the  excitement  of  the  chase. 
Who  knows  what  rare  species  the  stranger  may  prove 

to  1)6  ! 

From  your  description,  and  what  added  notes  on  voice 
and  actions  you  may  obtain,  the  field  key  and  illustra- 
tions on  the  sui  '•  'eding  pages  should  make  identification 
a  simple  matter.^  You  should  also  take  into  considera- 
tion the  season  of  the  year  when  a  bird  is  present,  and 
not  call  a  summer  bird  by  a  winter  bird's  name.  The 
dates  of  migration  given  in  the  following  pages  will  be  of 
assistance  here.  They  refer  to  the  vicinity  of  New  York 
city,  where,  in  the  spring,  birds  arnve  about  a  week  later 


*  The  publishors'  liborality  hiis  resulted  in  securing  bird  portraits 
of  unusual  exwllence.  Mr.  Seton  Thompson  is  an  ornithologist  as 
well  as  an  artist ;  his  subjects  are  personal  friciuls.  He  has  spared  no 
effort  to  make  these  pictures  characteristic  life  sketches,  and  I  ven- 
ture to  claim  that,  as  a  whole,  they  excel  in  truth  and  beautj  any 
bird-drawings  ever  published  in  this  country. 


i 


A   BIRD'S  BIOGRAPnY. 


73 


than  in  central  Illinois  or  at  Washington,  D.  C,  and  a 
week  earlier  than  at  JJoston.  In  the  fail  tiiesc  eonditionH 
are  rever«ed. 

A  BinPn  Biography. — As  a  further  guide  to  your 
observation  a  list  of  the  principal  details  which  enter  into 
a  bird's  life-history  is  apjiended : 

1.  Pkscru'tion  (of  size,  form,  color,  and  inarkinj^s). 

2.  Haunts  (uplund.  lowland,  lakes,  rivers,  woods,  fields,  etc.). 

3.  MovKMKNTS    (slow  or  active,  hops,  walks,  creeps,  swims,  tail 

wagged,  (!le.). 

4.  Ai'PKARANOE  (alert,  pensive,  crest  erect,  tail  drooped,  etc.). 

5.  Disposition    (social,  solitary,  wary,  unsuspicious,  etc.). 

6.  Fliuiit  (slow,  rapid,  direct,  undulating,  soaring,  sailing, 

flapping,  etc.). 

7.  SoNO  (pleasing,  unattractive,  contiimous,  short,  loud, 

low.  sung  from  the  ground,  from  a  porch,  in 
the  air,  etc. ;  season  of  song). 

8.  Cali.-notks    (of  surprise,  alarm,  protest,  warning,  signaling, 

etc.). 

(spring,  fall,  summer,  winter,  with  times  of  ar- 
rival and  departure,  and  variations  in  num- 
hers). 

(berries,  insects,  seeds,  etc. ;  how  secured). 

(habits  during  court shij)). 

(choice  of  site,  material,  construction,  eggs,  incu- 
bation). 
IIJ.  Tni;  YouNd    (food  and  care  of,  time  in  the  nest,  notes,  actions 
flight). 

From  observations  of  this  kind,  consisting  of  a  simple 
statement  of  facts,  you  may  ])hilosophize  according  to 
your  nature  on  the  relation  between  habit  and  structure, 
colors  and  haunts,  and  intelligent  adaptation  to  new  con- 
ditions. Beware,  however,  lest  you  be  led  to  draw  faulty 
conclusions  from  insufficient  observation.  Do  not  make 
the  individual  stand  for  its  species,  or  the  species  for  its 
family,  and  remember  that  one  is  warranted  in  theorizing 
onlv  when  the  facts  in  the  case  are  facts  indeed. 


9.  Season 


10.  Food 

11.  Matino 

12.  NlOSTlNO 


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CHAPTER  vriT. 

A  FIELD  KP:Y  to  OUR  COMMON   LAND   BIRDS. 

WiiKX  yon  liave  seen  a  bird  with  sutHcient  detiiiite- 
nc88  to  describe  its  color,  form,  mid  iictions,  reference  to 
the  t'ollo\vin<^  key  will  often  prove  a  short  <*iit  to  its 
identity.  This  key  is  i)ased  only  on  adult  males,  who, 
because  of  their  song,  often  brighter  colors,  and  greater 
activity,  are  far  more  fre(iuently  o])serve(l  than  the 
females.  But,  knowing  the  male,  you  will  rarely,  during 
the  nesting  season,  he  at  loss  to  recognize  his  mate. 

Ill  order  to  simplify  the  key,  the  water  birds.  Hawks,, 
and  Owls  are  omitted,  in  the  belief  that  they  will  be 
more  readily  identified  by  reference  to  the  ]>lates. 

The  use  of  the  key  may  be  illustrated  by  the  follow- 
ing example:  Let  us  imagine  that  you  sec  a  niij)|)ing 
Sparrow  (Plate  XLV)  feeding  aliout  your  doorstep. 
You  note  his  size,  chestnut  cap  bordered  by  white,  black 
bill,  brownish,  streaked  hack,  and  grayish  white,  un- 
marked under  parts.  Turning  now  to  the  key,  you  will 
see  that  by  exclusion  the  bird  belongs  in  "Section  V" 
of  the  "Thii'd  Group,"  and  that  it  should  be  placed  in 
subsection  "  1 "  of  this  section,  which  includes  birds  hav- 
ing the  "  under  i)arts  Avhite  or  wliitish,  all  one  color,  v't'f/i- 
out  streaks  or  spots."  Yon  have  now  two  subdivisions  to 
choosi^  from — '^  A.  Ba(*k  trif/n)>/f  streaks  or  spots,"  and 
"P.  Hack  brownish,  streaked,"  Your  bird  falls  under 
"  P,"  where  again  you  have  two  subdivisions,  "<?.  Crown 
rufous  or  chestnut,  without  streaks,"  and  "  h.  Crown  not 
rufous  oi-  chestnut."  Y^our  bird  should  be  referred  to 
"^/,"  where  you  will  at  once  find  it  described  under  "«'" 
as  the  Chipping  Sparrow. 


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(716)S72-4S03 


76 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  living  birds  do  not 
look  as  long  ns  they  really  are.  The  nieasurenieut  of 
"length"  is  taken  with  the  bird's  neck  and  tail  ont- 
6tretc;hed  in  a  straight  line.  In  life  the  tail  may  be  raised 
or  drooped,  while  the  neck  is  drawn  in  or  curved,  making 
the  bird  look  shorter  than  measurement  shows  it  to  be. 
Remember  that  the  Robin  measures  ten  inches,  the  House 
Sparrow  six  and  one-fourth  inches,  and  the  Ruby-throated 
Ilumming-bird  three  and  three-fourths  inches  in  length, 
and  you  will  have  a  basis  for  comparison. 

FIRST  GROUP. 

BIEDS  THAT   FEED  ON  THE   WING   FOR   LONG   INTERVALS  OF  TIME 
WITHOUT    PERl'IIING. 

{Swallow ',  Swift,  Nighthawk,  Whip  poor-icill.) 
I.  Size  large,  length  over  O'OO  inches ;  the  spread  wings  over  IS'OO 
inches  in  extent ;  generally  seen  only  late  in  the  afternoon  or  at 
ditsk. 

1.  A  bird  of  the  uir,  Hyinfj  higli,  often  over  housetops  in  cities;  a  conspicu- 
ous wliite  spot  in  each  winj,' ;  note,  a  loud,  nasal  i)eeiit ;  sometiines  dives 
cartliward  witli  a  Aciowi'/jf/ sound  ;  iMuy  to  Oct.    .    Nioutiiawk,  pa^'c  118. 

2.  Haunts,  near  tlie  ground,  not  often  ob.served  wliilo  feeding;  call,  given 
from  a  rock, stump, or  similar  perch,  H'Ai/>-/)oor-«'i7/,  vigorously  repeated; 
Apl.  lio  to  Oct Wiiip-pooK-wiLL,  page  list. 

II.  Size  smaller,  length  under  9"00  inches ;  the  spread  wings  less  than 
15"00  inches  in  extent ;  may  be  seen  at  any  time  of  the  day. 
1    I'lumaL'c  entirely  black. 

a.  Length  b-M  inches;  plumage  sooty  black;  usually  nests  in  chimneys; 
A  pi.  2.5  to  Oct CuiMNKY  Swift,  page  119. 

b.  Length  8-00  inches;  glof.sy,  bluish  black;  nests  in  gourds  or  houses 
erected  for  its  use ;  Apl.  25  to  Sept.  .    .    .     I'l'rpi.e  Maktin,  page  101. 

2.  Plumage  not  entirely  black  ;  Ai)l.  to  Oct.    .    Swallows,  pages  159,  IGO. 

SECOND  GROUP. 

CLIMBING    AND   CREEPING    BIRDS. 

{Nuthatchea,  Creepers,  Woodpeckers.) 

I.  Birds  wiihoxd  stiffly  pointed  tail-feathers,  that  climb  either  up  or 
down. 

1.  Length  COO  inches;  back  gray,  cap  black,  cheeks  and  under  parts 
white ;  note,  a  nasal  yank,  yank ;  a  permanent  resident. 

WniTE-UBEASTED    NuTHATCH,  pagO  ISO. 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


77 


2.  Length  4"50  inches;  back  gray,  cap  black,  a  blockish  streak  through 
the  face  ;  under  parts  reddish  brown  ;  note,  hij;h  and  thin,  like  the  tone 
of  u  panny  trumpet;  Sept.  to  Apl.      Red-hkkasted  Nutiiatuii,  page  181. 

3.  Length  u'^")  inches ;  upper  parts  .streaked  black  and  white ;  note,  a  thin 
wiry  Kve-sec-sce-siie ;  Apl.  25  to  Oct. 

Black  and  white  Warrleii,  page  107. 
II.  Birds  with  .stiffly  pointed  tall-feiithers,  that  always  climb  upward. 

1.  Length  o-tia  inches ;  plumage  dull  brown  and  black ;  size  small,  bill 
slender;  an  inconspicuous  bird  who  winds  his  way  up  the  trunks  search- 
ing for  insects'  eggs,  etc. ;  note,  flue  and  squeaky  ;  Sept.  2.j  to  Apl. 

Bkown  Ckeei'eu,  page  178. 

2.  Plumage  with  more  or  less  white,  size  larger,  bill  stouter,  chisel-like, 
often  used  in  hammering. 

A.  Length  9'75  inches ;  head  red,  back  black ;  flight  showing  a  largo 

white  patch  in  the  wing  .  .  .  liE»-nEAi)E»  Woodpeckeb,  page  116. 
£.  Length  12'00  inches;  crown  gray;  a  red  band  on  the  nape;  flight 

showing  a  white  patch  on  the  lower  back  and  yellow  in  the  wings ; 

often  flushed  from  the  ground ;  note,  ^v(;-y£i/'  .  .  Fliokeu,  page  116. 
C.  Length  G'T")  inches  ;  crown  black;  back  and  wings  black  and  white  ; 

note,  a  sharp  peek Downy  Woodpecker,  page  115. 


THIRD  GROUP. 

BIRDS   NOT   INCLUDED    IN   THE    PRECEDING    GROUPS. 

{Blackbirds,  Orioles,  Sparroios,  Vireos,  Warblers,  Thrushes,  etc.) 

Section  I.  With  yellow  or  orange  in  the  plumage. 

Section  II.  With  rod  in  the  plumage. 

Section  III.  With  bhio  in  the  plumage. 

Section  IV.  Plumage  conspicuously  black,  or  black  and  white. 

Section  V,  Birds  not  included  in  the  preceding  sections. 

I.  With  yellow  or  orange  In  the  plumage. 

1.  Throat  yellow. 
A.  Tliroat  and  breast  pure  yellow,  icithont  streaks  or  spots. 

a.  Length  5-10  inches ;  cap,  wings,  and  tail  black  ;  back  yellow ;  song 
canarylikc,  sometimes  uttered  on  the  wing;  flight  undulating,  fre- 
quently accompanied  by  the  notes  clilc-o-ree,  iwr-fhic-ii-ree ;  a  per- 
manent resident     Am.  Goi.iiKiNcii,  page  148. 

b.  Length  5'0o  inches ;  lower  belly  and  wing-bars  white ;  back  olive- 
green  ;  frequents  the  upper  branches,  generally  in  woodland ;  actions 
deliberate;  song  loud  and  musical,  uttered  slowly,  ollen  with  pauses  : 
"  See  me  J    Tm  here ;  where  are  you  {  "  ;  May  to  Sept. 

YEi.Low-TiiuoAi'Kn  ViitEo,  page   1C5. 

c.  Length  5-25  inches  ;  checks  and  forehead  black,  bordered  by  ashy  ; 
upper  parts  olive-green  ;  no  wing-bars  ;  haunts  thickets  and  under- 
growth ;  movements  nervous  and  active ;  call-note  pit  or  chnck ; 
song,  a  vigorous,  rapid  witeh-i-ir^v-n,  iritfli-i'-n-h'-o;  May  to  Oct. 

Mauyland  Yellow-thkoat,  page  171. 


78 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


d.  Length  7'45  inolios;  upper  parts  olivc-f,'rocn  ;  no  wing-biira;  a  white 
lino  before  the  eye ;  haunts  tliielicts  and  undergrowtli ;  aoui^,  n  Btrilt- 
iiij^  mixture  of  wliistles,  t7ii«t.'l'«,  and  cw/iw,  soinetinies  uttered  on  the 

wing;  May  to  Sept Yeli.ow-iiheastki)  Chat,  page  172. 

R  Under  parts  streaked  with  reddish  l)rown ;  length  5'00  inches ;  gen- 
eral appearance  of  a  yellow  bird  ;  haunts  shrubbery  of  lawns  orcliunls, 
second  growths,  and  particularly  willows  near  water ;  song,  rather  loud, 
wi'<\  c/iie-chi'i-v/iii'f  t'hir-ivee,  or  chfi'-ohee-e/iic-e/iee,  way-o ;  Miiy  to  Sept. 

Yki.I-ow   Wauiilkk,  page  108. 

C.  Breast  yellow,  with  u conspicuous  black  crescent;  length  10'75  inches; 
haunts  tiekls  and  iiieiidows,  largely  terrestrial;  flight  quail-like,  outer 
tail-feathers  white,  showing  when  on  the  wing ;  song,  a  loud,  musical 
whistle  ;  a  permanent  resident Meauowlakk,  page  136. 

2.  Throat  white. 

A.  With  yellow  on  the  sides, 

a.  Length  o-aO  inches ;  rump  yellow ;  breast  streaked  or  spotted  with 
black  ;  tail-featiiers  marked  with  white;  note,  a  characteristic  tchip; 
Sept.  to  May,  usually  rare  o.  local  in  winter. 

Myktle  Waubi.ek,  page  108. 

4.  Length  WOO  inches ;  no  black  on  under  parts  or  white  in  the  tail ;  yel- 
low extending  along  the  whole  sides;  back  olivo-green,  iris  white; 
liaunts  thickets  ;  call, an  emphatic"  Who  are  you,  eh  J";  May  to  Oct. 

White-eyeu  Vibeo,  page  105. 

c.  Length  r)-25  inches ;  tail  and  wings  banded  with  yellow,  showing 
conspicuously  in  flight;  haunts  woodland;  movemcrtta  active,  much 
in  the  air,  tail  frequently  spread;  May  to  Oct.      Kedbtart,  page  169. 

B.  No  yellow  on  sides. 

a.  Length  t!'?")  inches;  a  yellow  lino  from  the  bill  to  the  eye  ;  crown 
black,  with  a  white  stripe  through  its  center;  haunts  in  and  about 
tliickets  and  bushy  woodlands;  song,  a  high,  clear,  musical  whistle; 
call-note,  chink WiiiTE-TiiitoATEn  Spakuow.  page  143. 

h.  Length  4()0  inches  ;  a  yellow. or  yellow  and  orange  crown-patch,  bor- 
dered by  black  ;  flits  restlessly  about  outer  liml)s  of  trees  and  bushes  ; 
note,  a  flno  ti-ti ;  Oct.  to  Apl.    Golukn-cuowned  Kinglet,  page.  181. 

3.  Throat  neither  yellow  nor  white. 

A.  Length  l^'OO  inches;  white  rump  and  yellow  in  wings  showing  con- 
spicuously in  flight ;  a  black  breast-band  ;  note,  a  loud  Ke-ijer. 

Fi.icKEK,  page  116. 

B.  Length  O'OO  inches  ;  crested  :  brenst  ashy,  belly  yellow  ;  tail-feathers 
largely  pale  brownish  red  ;  liaunts  upper  brunches  in  woodland  ;  note, 
a  loud  questioning  or  grating  whistle;  May  to  Sept. 

CuKsTEi)  Fi.YcATonER,  pagc  123. 

C  Length  7'50  inches ;  throat  and  head  black  ;  brea  t,  belly,  and  lower 

back  ilccp  orange ;  haunts  fruit  and  shade  trees  ;  song,  a  loud,  ringing 

whistle;  May  to  Sept Hai.timoue  Ouioi.e,  page  131. 

D.  Length  l-'iO  inches ;  crested ;  grayish  brown ;  a  black  line  through 
the  eye ;  tail  tipped  with  yellow;  generally  seen  in  snuill  flocks;  nolo 
thin  and  weak Cedar  Waxwino,  pagc  101. 


crown 

k1  al)out 

whistle; 

pnjre  143, 

atc'h,  l)or- 

buslioa ; 

pn<,'o.  181. 

vmg  con- 

iiiiTo  116. 
-t'oiitliers 
id  ;  note, 

iiifro  123. 

lid  lower 
inging 

mjjo  131. 
throuiih 
■s ;  notQ 

lajie  101. 


FIEIiD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


79 


H.  With  red  in  the  plumage. 

1.  With  red  on  the  viider  jiartw. 

A.  Throat  red. 

a.  Lenijth  7''2.5  inches ;  winjis  and  tail  black ;  rest  of  plumage  briglit 
Hcarlet;  call-note,  vhip-chirr  \  May  to  Sept. 

ScAKLET  Tanaoer,  page  150. 

b.  Length  0-20  inches ;  dull,  pinkish  red,  wings  and  tail  brownish  ;  fre- 
quently seen  feeding  on  buds  or  blossoms;  call-note,  a  sharp  chink, 
oft'in  uttered  during  fliglit ;  song,  a  sweet,  ftovving  warble. 

Pnti'LE  Finch,  page  149. 

c.  Length  (ViO  inclies;  dull  rctl  or  green  tinged  with  red;  mandibles 
crossed;  generally  seen  in  Hocks;  feeds  on  pine  cone.'*. 

Am.  ('kosshili,,  page  147. 

d.  Lengtli  5'30  inches ;  a  red  crown-cap ;  back  streaked  black  and 
brown  ;  breast  rosy  ;  feeds  on  seeds  or  catkins;  Nov.  to  Meh. 

Keupoll,  page  140. 

B.  Throat  black. 

a.  Length  800  inches ;  breast  rose-red,  rest  of  plumage  black  and 
white;  song  loud  and  musical ;  call-note, /*fcl';  May  to  Sept. 

Kc)SE-»KEA»TEl>    (iltOSllEAK,  page    150, 

h.  Length  8-00  inches;  a  conspicuous  crest;  region  about  the  base  of 
the  bill  black  ;  rest  of  tlie  pluiiiage  and  bill  red  ;  song,  a  clear 
whistle  ;  resident  from  New  York  city  southward. 

(jAni)iNAL,  page  ir)3. 
c.  Lengtli  h-^Q  inches  ;  wings  and  tail  banded  with  orange-red,  sliowing 
conspicuously  in  fliglit:  movements  active;  much  in  the  air;  tail 
frciiucntly  spread;  haunts  woodland;  May  to  Oct. 

Redstart,  page  109. 

2.  No  red  on  the  under  parts. 

A.  Length  'J'.")0  inches ;  black  ;  shoulders  red ;  haunts  marshes ;  migrates 
in  Hocks;  Mcli.  to  Oct Ked-winoed  Hlackuiri),  page  132. 

B.  Length  .5-25  inches:  crown-cap  red;  chin  black;  rest  iif  under  parts 
streaked  with  blackish  ;  feeds  on  seeds  and  catkins  ;  Nov.  to  Mch. 

Redi'oll  (ill!.),  page  140. 

C.  Length  4'00  inches;  under  parts  whitisii ;  back  olive-green;  a  ruby 
crown-patch  ;  eye-ring  white  ;  movements  restless,  wings  flitted  nerv- 
ously ;  call-note,  (■(((•/•;  song  remarkably  loud  and  musical;  Sci)t.  and 
Oct. ;  Apl.  and  May Ktnv-cRow.NEi)  Kinoi.et,  page  182. 

m.  With  blue  in  the  plumag^e. 

,(.  Length  11  ■.")U  inches;  a  conspicuous  crest;  upper  parts  dull  blue; 
under  parts  whitish  ;  a  black  patch  on  the  breast. 

Blue  .Iay,  page  130. 

B.  Length  T'OO  inches;  ui)per  part,  bright  blue:  under  [larts  cinnamon- 
brown    Hi.rEisiKi),  page  18(1. 

C.  Length  irhO  inches;  entire  plumage  indigo-bluc  ;  .May  to  Oct. 

iN'Dirio  Hr.NTiNo,  page  152. 

D.  Length  13-00;  bluish  gray;  liaunts  near  water;  feeds  on  fish,  which 
it  catches  by  darting  on  them  at  tlie  surface    ,    Kinokisher,  page  114. 


ff  'r. 


,■_«*« 


80 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


IV.  Plumage  conspicuously  black,  or  black  and  white. 

1.  BliR'k  uiui  white  birds. 
A.  Throat  bhick. 

o.  Leiiiftli  over  (5  00  inches. 
a>.  Entire  under  imrta  bliick ;  nupe  buffy;  rump  white;  a  musical 
dweller  of  tteids  and  meadows;  frequently  sings  on  the  wing;  May 

to  Sept BoiioLiNK,  page  104. 

a'.  Breast  rose-red;  rest  of  the  plumage  blaek  and  white;  song 
rapid,  loud  and  musical ;  call-nofe,  peek;  a  tree  dweller  in  ruthor 
open  woodland ;  May  to  Sept. 

Kose-ukkasted  Grosbeak,  page  150. 
a'.  Sides  reddish  brown  ;  rest  of  the  plumage  black  and  white  ;  eall- 
note,  chewiiik  or  towhee  ;  inhabits  the  undergrowth  ;  often  scon  ou 
ground  scratching  among  fallen  leaves ;  Apl.  25  to  (Jet. 

TowHEE,  page  151. 
b.  Length  under  6*00  inches, 
i'.  Crown  black;  cheeks  white;  back  ashy;  unstreakcd;  caW, cMeJc- 
a-dee,  or  a  musical,  double-noted  whistle;  a  permanent  resident. 

Chickadee,  page  179. 
£.  Throat  and  o^her  parts  white  or  whitish. 

a.  Length  8'50  inches  ;  upper  parts  blacki.sli  slate-color;  tail  tipped  with 
white;  a  bird  of  the  air,  catching  its  insect  food  on  the  wing,  and 
occasionally  sallying  forth  from  its  exposed  perch  in  pursuit  of  a  pass- 
ing Crow  ;  note,  uu  unmusical,  steely  chatter ;  May  to  Sept. 

KiNoumn,  page  122. 

b.  Length  6-90  inches ;  upper  parts  washed  with  rusty ;  generally  seen 
in  flocks:  terrestrial ;  Nov.  to  Mch Snowflake,  page  147. 

2.  No  white  in  the  plumage. 

A.  l^ength  19-00  inches ;  jet  black Am.  Crow,  page  128. 

Ji.  Length  12'00  inches;  black  with  metallic  reflections ;  iris  yellowish; 
migrates  in  flocks;  nests  usually  in  colonies  in  coniferous  trees;  voice 
cracked  and  reedy;  tail  "keeled"  in  short  flights;  a  walker;  Mch.  to 
Nov Pt;RPLE  Grackle,  page  133. 

C.  Length  9'50  inches;  shoulders  red;  haunts  marshes;  call,  kong-quer- 
ree;  Mch.  to  Oct Red-winged  Blackbird,  page  132. 

£>.  Length  7'90  inches ;  head  and  neck  cofl'ee-brown ;  frequently  seen  on 
the  ground  near  cattle ;  Mch.  to  Nov Cowbibd,  page  137. 

V.  Birds  not  included  in  the  precedii^  sectiosia  (ttaat^lik ' 
plumage  without  either  yellow,  orange*  red,  or  blue; 
not  conspicuously  black,  or  black  and  white). 

1.  Under  parts  white  or  whitish,  all  one  color,  without  Btreaks  or  spots. 
A.  Back  tvitliont  streaks  or  spots. 
a.  Back  olive-green ;  gleanenk  exploring  the  foliage  for  food  or  flitting 
about  the  outer  branched.  - 

a'.  Length  G'25  inches ;  a  white  line  over  the  eye  bordered  by  a  nar- 
row black  one  ;  cap  gray ;  iris  red  ;  .«ong,  arambling  recitative  :  "  You 
see  it — you  know  it — do  you  hear  me  ? "  etc. ;  May  to  Oct. 

Keu-byed  Vireo,  page  104. 


vhite. 


;  a  musical 
wing ;  May 

K,  pugo  1!j4. 
vliite ;  Kong 
ur  in  rutlier 

K,  pugo  liJO. 
rtliitu ;  call- 
t'ten  steon  ou 

iE,  pago  151. 

;  ca\\,chich- 
i  rt'sident. 
:g,  pago  179. 

tipped  with 
le  wing,  and 
lit  of  a  pas9- 
pt. 

II),  page  122. 
ncrally  seen 
E,  page  147. 

w,  pago  128. 

yellowish; 
trees ;  voice 
cr;  Mch.  to 
E,  page  133. 

kong-quer- 
I),  page  132. 

tly  seen  on 
pago  137. 

blue; 

I  spots. 

or  flitting 

by  a  nar- 
live : "  You 

I  pago  104. 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


81 


a*.  Length  Ty'io  inches;  a  wliito  line  over  the  eyo  not  bordered  by 
blaek  ;  prefers  the  upper  brandies  nf  rows  of  elms  and  other  shade 
trees;  song,  a  rich,  unbroken  warble  with  an  alto  undertone;  May 
to  Sept Wahiilino  V'iheo,  page  1C5. 

a*.  Length  4-00  inches;  no  white  lino  over  the  eye;  eye-ring  and 
wing-bars  white:  a  tiny,  unsus[)ieious  bird;  flits  about  tlie  outer 
branches  of  trees  and  shrubs;  wings  twitched  nervously;  note, 
cack\  song,  a  renuirkably  loud,  niusieai  whistle;  .Sept.  and  Oct.; 

Apl.  and  May ltuiiv-<itowNEi)  Kinoi.kt,  page  \h-Z. 

b.  Back  olive-green  or  dusky  olive  ;  ilyeatehers  who  capture  their  prey 

on  the  wing  by  darting  for  it,  and  while  perching  are  quiet  and  erect. 

J'.  Length  7'00  inclies;  fre(iuently  found  nesting  under  bridges  or 
about  buildings;  crown  blackish;  tail  wagged  nerMnisly ;  notes, 
pee,  pec,  and  jiiirif-ji/Kfbe ;  Mch.  to  (Jet.    .     .     .     PimniE,  pugo  124. 

J".  Length  C'JO  inches;  haunts  wooded  growths:  note,  a  plaintive 
pee-a-ivee;  May  to  Bopt Woon  Pe wee,  page  12(). 

b*.  Length  r)'40  inches;  haunts  orchards,  lawns, and  open  woodlands; 

note,  clubi'c,  vhebto Least  Fi.vcATcnEn,  pago  125. 

e.  Back  gray  or  bluish  gray. 

c>.  Lengtii  t'i'oO  inches  ;  a  gray,  crested  bird  ;  forehead  black  ;  no  white 
in  the  tail;  note,  a  w-histled  peto^j/eto,  or  hoarse  de-df-de-de\  resi- 
dent from  New  York  city  southward     .    .    Ti'FTEO  Tit,  page  180. 

c*.  Length  S-50  inches;  a  white  Ijand  at  the  end  of  the  tail ;  a  con- 
cealed orange-red  crest;  a  bird  of  the  iiir,  catching  its  insect  food 
on  the  wing,  and  occasionally  sallying  tbrth  from  its  exposed  perch 
in  pursuit  of  a  passing  Crow;  note,  an  unmusical,  steely  chatter; 

May  to  Sept Kinohikd,  page  122. 

d.  Back  brown. 

(/'.  Length  5'00  inches :  a  nervous,  restless,  excitable  bird  ;  tail  often 
carried  erect;  song  sweet,  rapid  and  rippling,  delivered  with  ahan- 
doii ;  Apl.  25  to  Oct House  When,  page  175. 

(/'.  Lengtii  12'25  inches;  slim,  brownish  birds  with  long  tails;  flight 
short  and  noiseless ;  perch  //(  a  tree,  not  in  an  exposed  position ; 
note,  tut-tut,  duck-eluck,  and  cow-cow.  May  to  Oct. 

Yellow-billed  CrcKoo,  Blackuilled  Cuckoo,  pages  112, 113. 
B.  Back  brownish,  streaked. 
a.  Crown  rufous  or  chestnut  without  streaks. 

a'.  Length  5-25  inches;  bill  b'ack ;  a  whitish  line  over  the  eye:  a 
familiar  bird  of  lawns  and  door-yards:  song,  a  monotonous  c7<  i/</;y- 
c/((^)^)//-('7i/y»^V/;  Apl.  to  Nov.      .    .    Ciiii>i'in(»  Si-auuow,  page  142. 

a'.  Lengtii  5'TO  inches;  bill  reddixh  brown,  back  rufous  or  rufous- 
brown;  wing-bars  and  eye-ring  whitish  ;  haunts  dry,  bushy  flelds 
and  pastures;  song,  a  musical,  plaintive  cher-uiee,  cher-wce,  cfier- 
wce,  c/ieeo,  dee-dee-dee-dce ;  .Vpl.  to  Xov.    FiELn  Spakuow,  page  140. 

o».  LengMi  S'flO  inches ;  forehead  black  :  crown  and  wings  chestnut- 
rufous  ;  flanks  pule  grayish  brown  ;  liaunts  marshes ;  song,  a  rapidly 
repeated  weet-weet-weet,  etc. ;  Mch.  to  Nov. 

SwAMr  Spaurow,  page  139. 
18 


m 


82 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS. 


\i 


b.  Crown  not  rufous  or  cliestnut. 
J».  Lun;{tl\  0-7")  iiu'lu'tt;  crown  bluekish,  with  a  central  wliitiuli  stripe; 
throat  wliitu;  breast  tftay;  a  yellow  spot  before  tiie  eje;  haunts 
in  unil  about  thickets  and  bushy  woodlands;  song,  u  high,  clear, 
musical  whistle;  call-note,  chink. 

White-tmuoateu  Si'ARUow,  page  143. 
A'.  Length  5-20  inches;  bill  slender;  a  white   line   over  the  eye; 
tail  carried   erect;    haunts    reedy   marshes;    call-note    scolding; 
Bong  rippling;  May  to  Oct. 

LoNQ-niLLEU  Maush  Wbkn,  page  177. 
2.  Under  parts  white  or  whitish,  streaked  or  njmtted. 

A.  Back  streaked. 

a.  Length  0-10  inches  ;  outer  tail-fcnthers  white,  showing  conspicuously 
when  the  bird  Hies ;  haunts  dry  fields  and  roadsides ;  song  musical ; 
Apl.  to  Nov Vesper  Spamkow,  page  141. 

b.  Outer  tail-feathers  not  white. 

A'.  Length  i)-.30  inches ;  breast  with  numerous  spots  tending  to  form 
one  large  spot  in  its  center;  linunts  on  or  near  the  ground,  generally 
in  the  vicinity  of  bushes;  call-note,  chimp;  song  musical;  a  per- 
manent resident 8ono  Spaukow,  page  138. 

b*.  Lengtli  t)'35  iuclics;  breast  grayish  with  one  spot  in  its  center; 
Oct.  to  Apl TuEE  Spaiuiow,  page  140. 

B.  Back  not  streaked ;  breast  spotted. 

a.  Length  11-40  inches ;  tail  o'OO  inclics ;  wing-bars  white :  upper  parts, 
wings,  and  tail  bright  einnamon-brown  ;  haunts  undergrowth  ;  sings 
from  an  exposed  and  generally  elevated  position ;  song  loud,  striking, 
and  continuous ;  Apl.  25  to  Oct.      .    .    Bkown  TnRAsnEn,  page  l?."). 

b.  Len^,'th  under  O'OO  inches;  tail  under  3-00  inelies;  no  wing-bai-s; 
back  reddish  or  cinnamon-brown. 

i».  Length  8-'J5  inches ;  breast  and  sides  heavily  marked  with  large, 
round,  black  spots;  head  and  upper  back  hriijhtcr  than  lower  back 
and  tail ;  call-note,  a  sharp  pit  or  liquid  quirt ;  May  to  Oct. 

Woon  TuRisn,  page  184. 

J'.  Length  7'1")  inches;  breast  with  wedge-shaped  black  spots;  sides 
unspotted,  washed  with  brotvnish  ashy :  tail  reddish  brown,  tiriyhttr 
than  back;  call-note,  a  low  chuck;  Apl.  10  to  May  10;  Oct.  and 
Nov Hermit  TnRi:sii,  page-  185. 

J».  Length  7'50  inclics ;  upper  breast  lightly  spotted  with  small,  wedge- 
shaped,  brownish  spots ;  tail  the  same  color  as  the  back ;  sides  white ; 
call-note,  a  clearly  whistled  whehi ;  May  to  Sept. 

Wilson's  Thrush,  page  183. 
c  Length  under  'J'OO  inches ;  tail  under  S'OO  inches ;  no  wing-bars ;  back 

olive-green. 

c>.  Length  6-10  inches ;  center  of  crown  pale  brownish  bordered  by 
black;  haunts  on  or  near  the  ground  in  woodland;  a  walker; 
song,  a  ringing  crescendo,  teacher,  teacher,  teacher,  TEACHER, 
7'£',lC//£7i';  May  toSept Oven-bird,  page  170. 


I    ■ 


■mr 


FIELD  KEY  TO  COMMON  BIRDS.  Aft 

t   . 

3.  Under  parts  not  white  or  whitish,  all  one  color,  without  Btrcnks, 

A.  Leii({th  H'SO  inches;  slatc-oolor :  cap  and  tail  liluck  ;  inhabit)*  the 
lower  growth  ;  call-note,  noHal ;  mng  hij»hly  musical  anil  varied;  Apl. 
25  to  Oct Catiiiiii>,  page  173. 

Ji.  li»  Mirth  7'20  inches;  irrayish  brown;  conspicuously  crested;  a  black 
line  throujfh  the  eye;  tail  tipped  with  yellow;  generally  seen  in  small 
flocks ;  note  thin  and  weak Ckdau  VVaxwino,  page  101. 

C.  Length  r-SO  inches;  under  parts  creani-buft';  n  conspicuous  whitish 
line  over  the  eye;  upper  parts  reddisli  brown ;  movements  active;  tail 
carried  erect ;  haunts  lower  growth;  notes  loud  and  striking;  resident 
from  New  York  city  southward  ....    Cakolina  Wren,  page  177. 

4.  Throat  and  upper  breast  black  or  sluto-color,  very  diflferent  from  the 
white  or  chestnut  belly. 

A.  Throat  black. 
a.  Uelly  aud  rump  cliestnut;  head,  wings,  and  tail  black;  length  7'30 
inches;  haunts  orchards  and  shade  trees;  song  liighly  musical ;  May 

to  Sept OitciiAKi)  OiiioLE,  page  132. 

h.  Belly  white;  sides  reddish  brown;  tail  black  and  white;  length  8-35 
inches;  haunts  undergrowths ;  call-note,  chtwiuk  or  tuivhie;  Apl.  25 

to  Oct TowHEE,  page  151. 

£.  Throat  slate-color. 
a.  Hack  and  wings  slate-color;  outer  tail-feathers  and  belly  white; 
length  t)'2.)  inches;  haunts  generally  on  ov  near  the  ground  about 

shrubbery  ;  Oct.  to  Apl Junco,  page  145. 

6.  Throat  streaked  with  black  and  white ;  rest  of  under  parts  reddish  brown  ; 
upper  parts  grayish  slate-color;  length  10-00  inches     .    Eobin,  page  180. 


n-^'-.fi' 


i! 


i.  I 


OUR  COMMON  BIRDS. 
THE  WATER  BIRDS. 

DIVING  BIRDS.     (ORDER  FTGOPODES.) 

CiREBKs.    (Family  PouiciriD^E.) 

The  study  of  water  birds  requires  special  advantages 
and  e([uii)nients,  aiiiong  which  are  a  suitable  location, 
much  time,  and  a  gun.  Our  coasts  and  shores  are  be- 
coming so  popular  as  "  resorts  "  that  numy  of  the  former 
haunts  of  waterfowl  are  now  thickly  populated,  and  the 
birds  are  comparatively  rare.  Furthermore,  the  larger 
number  of  our  water  birds  nest  in  the  far  North  and 
winter  in  the  South,  visiting  the  IMiddle  States  only  while 
on  their  migrations.  It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  if  we 
would  become  familiar  with  these  birds,  we  must  devote 
ourselves  especially  to  their  pursuit. 

There  are,  however,  some  species,  notably  those  which 
fre(pient  bodies  of  fresh  water  and  nest  in  this  latitude. 
Pied-billed  Grebe  which  deserve  to  be  ranked  among  our 
PodiiymbuspoduvpH.  commouer  birds.  Of  these,  one  of  the 
I'lato  II.  i^gg^  known,  by  name  at  least,  is  the 

Pied-billed  Grebe,  whose  aquatic  powers  have  given  it 
the  expressive  title  of  Jlell-diver. 

Under  favorable  conditions  this  little  Grebe  may  breed 
anywhere  from  the  Argentine  Republic  to  British  Amer- 
ica, but  in  the  Middle  States  it  occurs  chiefly  as  a  spring 
and  fall  migrant.  AVhen  nesting,  a  (julet,  reedy  pond  oi' 
lake  is  chosen  for  a  home,  the  nest  being  made  on  a  pile 
of  decaying  vegetation.  The  eggs,  four  to  eight  in  num- 
ber, are  dull  white,  more  or  less  stained  by  the  nesting 
material,  which  the  parent  bird  rarely  fails  to  place  over 

84 


-,l.-..-  -.I-X'f. 


■  V  ■'"»*■■  ^'  ■'■■'    ^-''-   ^J?  ■   •*»,■  ^li' *••'*'*•■ 


of  the 

is  the 

tiven  it 


',^'<r' 


0 


I 


breed 

lAiner- 

spring 

lond  oi' 

a  pile 

num- 

^esting 

|e  over 


^- 

r- 

ft 


itri>  Hi; Mu-.i>  •*,!., I 


I 


fT.iC, 


.iM«)?>;   r.fiMi-', 


1 


I'ii' 


:?jvrN 


OACF.H  PYc.i^T'oni: 


tri: 


rl 


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l-'l    " 
i'  '  pr  •-      I    V-    f 

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t'ill:    I      '       If  I'.      \'  -A'.      V    ." 

V  :  ■.•'!  .i- 
7',.-      ■'./■/  .  i.n.i'    ,' 

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'1|(     ■■    \|li  .         i\  '      "W  ■.:   ,    •     '  '.      ;  -<!i\  ■•!■ 

i    lii'.-r  ^.   .   ■•■■''■■  .  ,1  ,.'i~  i! 

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!••!!.    luit    'h    I'll  1  i>  '■  '  •!• 

;i!i>!   ;  lii  i;i;'.'v,.iii        W'  1,1' 


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,  ;    ,.!..i.-,         ,1    .    '..■• 

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■  >'    '■     •   ^:  'iM,!',  ■    .  '•  Ti,,'    :i,  -i  ./.J 
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•in;' 


Plate  XXV.  Page  116. 

RED-HEADED  M'OODPECKEK. 

Lpn)J!lli,  !)'75  inclics.  A./it//,  whole  hotu]  and  iiccic  deep  rod,  hiick  and 
tail  black;  upper  lail-coverts,  f,'n>ater  part  of  s(>coiidarips,  Hud  b(?lly 
white,      y'onnj,',  siiuihir,  but  head,  hack,  throat,  and  sides  grayish  black. 


T^. 


li 


um^ 


H\ 


LOON, 


85 


them  when  leaving  the  nest.  The  young  are  bom  covered 
with  down  and  can  swiin  at  birth.  The  Pied-billed 
Grebe  is  one  of  our  most  aquatic  birds.  When  pursued, 
it  prefers  diving  to  flight,  and  the  marvelous  I'apidity 
with  which  it  can  disappear  from  the  surface  of  the 
water,  to  reappear  in  a  quite  unexpected  place,  jiistilies 
its  reliance  on  its  own  natatorial  powers.  It  can  swim 
under  water  with  only  its  bill  exposed,  when  it  becomes 
practically  invisible. 

When  on  land  Grebes  progress  awkwardly.  They 
can,  it  is  said,  stand  erect  on  their  toes,  bu!;,  when  resting, 
support  tliemselves  on  the  whole  length  of  the  foot  or 
tarsus  (see  Fig.  8,  the  Great  Auk). 

On  the  wing  Grebes  resemble  small  Ducks,  but  their 
pointed  bill  and  their  feet  stretched  out  behind  the  rudi- 
mentary tail  will  serve  to  distinguish  them. 


Loons.    (Family  UriiXatorid^.) 

The  Loon,  like  its  small  relative  the  Grebe,  is  known 

to  almost  every  one  by  name,  bat  only  those  who  have 

loon  visited  its  summer  haunts  among  the 

FriiKitor  iiiiixr.       Xorthcm  lakcs  and  heard  its  wild  call 

Plate  III.  ^.j^j^  i^g  g,^jj  1^  l<now  it.     Xuttall  writes 

of  its  cry  as  "  the  sad  and  wolfish  call  of  the  solitary 
Loon,  which,  like  a  dismal  echo,  seems  slowly  to  invade 
the  ear,  and,  rising  as  it  proceeds,  dies  away  in  the  air." 
It  "  may  be  heard  sometimes  for  two  or  three  miles,  when 
the  bird  itself  is  invisible,  or  reduced  almost  to  a  speck 
in  the  distance."  The  Loon  is  as  aquatic  in  habits  as  the 
Grebe,  but  is  much  stronger  on  the  wing.  It  migrates 
by  day,  and  probsibly  also  by  night,  and  we  may  some- 
times see  it  passing  over — a  large,  dncklike  bird — in 
March  and  October. 

When  on  land,  it  is  nearly  helpless,  progressing  awk- 


f 


86 


FERRING   GULL. 


wardly  \>y  the  use  of  feet,  wings,  and  bill.  For  this  rea- 
son it  nesi.s  near  *1"3  water's  edge,  often  wliere  it  can 
slide  from  the  eggs  directly  into  its  true  element.  The 
nest  is  a  slight  depression  in  the  earth,  in  which  are  laid 
two  elliptical  eggs,  in  color  olive-brown,  slightly  spotted 
with  Idackish. 


I    t 


LONG-WINGED  SWIMMERS.    (ORDER  LONGIPENNES.) 

GvLLs  AND  Terns.    (Family  Larid^k.) 

No  birds  are  more  widely  distributed  tha  i  the  Gulls 

and  Terns.     Some  si)ecies  are  pelagic,  visiting  the  land 

_     .      -  „         only  at  loni;  intervals  and  when  nest- 
Herring  Gull,  .      -^  ^  . 

Larui<argu(tntu.<  ing ;  otlicrs  live  along  the  coast,  and 
"init/isoiutuuis.  several  species  resort  to  inland  waters. 
About  one  hundred  species  are  known, 
fifty  being  Gulls  and  tifty  Terns.  The  former  are,  as  a 
rule,  larger,  stouter  birds  than  the  latter,  and,  generally 
speaking,  are  more  maritime.  The  connuonest  of  the  ten 
species  found  in  the  Eastern  States  is  the  Herring  Gull. 
It  nests  from  Maine  northward,  and  is  found  southva'  :1 
along  our  coast  from  ( )ctober  1  to  A})ril.  This  is  ihe 
Gull  we  see  n  such  numbers  in  our  bays  and  luirl  ors, 
flying  gracefully  and  ap])arently  aimlessly  about,  bu  .  in 
reality  ever  keeping  its  lu'ight  black  eyes  fixed  on  the 
water  in  search  of  some  floating  morsel,  which  it  deitly 
picks  from  the  surface.  It  frequently  follows  vessels, 
hanging  over  the  stern  day  after  day,  and  deserting  its 
post  only  to  feed  on  scraps  thrown  overboard  from  the 
galley.  There  are  said  to  be  reliable  records  oi  these 
birds  folluwing  the  same  vessel  from  the  Irish  coast  to 
New  York  Harbor. 

Gulls  do  excellent  service  in  devouring  much  refuse 
that  would  otherwise  be  cast  ashore  to  decay ;  but,  useful 


ss 


hiT  .:    ^;fpjif^.ff-- 


'^H'sm 


■■rtrnViVr 


""SV 


tliis  rea- 
re  it  can 
nt.  The 
li  arc  laid 
y  spotted 


PENNES.) 


tlie  Gulls 
r  the  land 
hen  nest- 
:'oast,  and 
id  waters, 
re  known, 
1*  are,  as  a 
generally 
of  the  ten 
ing  Gull, 
outhva'd 
lis  IS  ihe 
l-.arl  ors, 
lit,  buv.  ill 
1.  on  the 
it  deltly 
s  vessels, 
•erting  its 
from  the 
01  these 
1  coast  to 


■i-^«».i,        --.v-i^ 


I    • 


^•"•;T«ns?,j 


/" 


n- 


w- 


i  'ti- 


■^ 


m 


M 


% 


ich  refuse 
mi,  useful 


1  I 


'■.* 
-^ 


'd 


^ 


•  L.X'   JfO^-.a.-M" 


I  1^: 


[ 


i  y 


y 


Plate  XXVI.  p^,^,^  jj,, 

FLICKER. 

L(Mif,'tli.  l-2'()0  iiicli.'s.  Mai,:  crown  j,'i'Jiy,  napo  sciirlH.  hiick  l.nuviiish 
iUKi  hliick,  nmip  wliil.';  uiid.-r  suil'iic' of  win^js  iiii.l  tail  y.-llow  :  sidosof 
throat  and  hr.-ast-patdi  l.lack  ;  l.t'lly  spotlfd  with  blaciv".  lumalc.  simi- 
lar, hut  MO  lilack  on  sides  ol'  tiiroat. 


A 


m 


I 


'»f 


» \ 


COMMON  TERN. 


87 


1 


a8  they  are  as  scavengers,  I  feel  tlmt  their  place  in  Nature 
is  to  iuiiniate  tiie  barren  wastes  of  the  sea.  Ilow,  when 
at  sea,  the  presence  of  a  single  (tuII  changes  the  whole 
aspect  of  Nature  !  The  great  expanse  of  water,  which 
before  was  oppressive  in  its  drealy  lifelessuess,  is  trant;- 
Fornied  by  the  white-winged  (lulls  into  a  scene  of  rare 
beauty.  Every  voyager,  be  he  naturalist  or  not,  admires 
their  grace  of  form  and  motion.  They  seem  born  of  the 
waves,  and  as  much  a  part  of  the  ocean  as  the  foamy 
whitecnips  themselves. 

The  ])eautiful  Terns  or  Sea  Swallows  are  even  more 
graceful  than  the  Gulls.    They  are  slenderer  birds,  lighter 

Common  Tern,  '"^'^  '"'^•'^  ^^^t'^e  on  the  wing,  with  long, 
^t,r>ia idnnido.  forked  tails  and  pointed  bills.  They 
iMutc  X.  arrive  from  the  South  in  IVIay  and  re- 

main until  September,  nesting  in  colonies. 

Terns  are  littoral  rather  than  jielagic,  seldom  l)eing 
found  far  from  the  shore.  Like  the  Gulls,  they  seem  so 
in  harmony  with  their  surroundings  that  no  cjast  view  is 
perfect  from  which  the  Terns  are  missing.  They  add 
the  recpiisite  touch  of  life,  and  make  still  more  impressive 
the  thunder  of  the  surf  dashing  over  rocks  or  curling  in 
long,  combing  waves  on  the  beach. 

During  recent  years  these  birds  have  been  killed  in 
such  numbers  for  millinery  purposes  that  on  the  middle 
Atlantic  coast  the  only  survivors  exist  on  three  or  four 
uninhabited  islets.  If  one  protests  against  the  merciless 
destruction  of  these  exquisite  creatures  the  excuse  is, 
"  Well,  what  good  are  they  ? " — an  answer  betraying  such 
an  utter  lack  of  appreciation  of  beauty  that  explanation 
seems  hopeless.  But  can  we  not  leiirn,  before  it  is  too 
late,  that  these  birds  are  even  more  deserving  of  protec- 
tion than  the  works  of  art  we  guard  so  zealously  ? 


i' 


88 


PETRELS. 


.¥ 


•  'I 


in    illl!: 


..i      !■ 


Petrels, 

I'hui'  IV. 


TUBE-NOSED  SWIMMERS.    (ORDER  TUBINARES.) 

Pktrklh.    (Family  PRocKLLARiiT)iT<:.) 

Petrclrt,  or  "IVrotlier  Carey's  Chickens,"  are  true  chil- 
dren uf  the  sea.  Their  home  is  tiie  ocean,  and  thev  come 
to  laud  only  when  nesting;.  To  the 
landsman,  therefore,  they  are  strangers, 
but  to  most  peo])le  who  have  been  to 
sea  they  are  known  as  the  little,  white-rumped  swallow- 
Hke  birds  who  on  tireless  wint;  follow  in  the  wake  of  the 
si  lip  day  after  day,  piiticiutly  waiting  for  the  food  which 
experience  tells  them  will  be  thrown  overboard. 

Two  species  of  Petrels  are  found  olf  our  coasts,  Wil- 
son's and  Leach's.  The  former  has  a  yellow  area  in  the 
webs  of  the  toes  and  a  scpiare  tail,  while  Leach's  Petrel  has 
the  webs  of  the  toes  wholly  black  and  a  slightly  forked 
tail.  These  dilfereuces,  however,  w(juld  n^)t  be  appre- 
ciable at  a  distance.  Wilson's  Petrel  nests  in  certain 
islands  of  the  southern  hemisphere  in  February,  and 
later  migi-ates  northward,  reaching  our  latitude  in  May 
and  spending  the  summer,  or  what  in  fact  is  its  winter, 
in  the  North  Atlantic.  It  is,  therefore,  probably  the 
Petrel  most  frequently  seen  by  transatlantic  voyagers  at 
this  season. 

Leach's  Petrel  nests  on  our  coasts  from  IMaine  north- 
ward, arriving  from  the  South  in  May.  The  nest  is 
made  in  a  burrow  in  the  ground  or  beneath  a  rock,  and 
a  single  white  esiX  i«  l<iid.  Generallv  one  of  the  birds 
spends  the  day  on  the  nest  while  its  mate  is  at  sea,  but 
at  night  the  incubating  bird  leaves  the  nest,  its  place  being 
taken  probably  by  the  one  who  has  been  feeding  during 
the  day. 


!  I 


A.BES.) 


:.#3^ 


4.-  <>:■ 


tnie  cliil- 
liey  conio 
To  tlie 
itrangers, 
'  been  to 
swallow- 
ke  of  tlie 
)(l  which 


•  i#: 


lets,  Wil- 

ea  in  the 

'etrel  has 

ly  forked 

le  aj)pre- 

n  certain 

irv,  and 

in  May 

s  winter, 

ihly  the 

pagers  at 


,'•'&■ 


■^^t^■ 


■e  north - 
nest  is 
K'k,  and 
le  birds 
sea,  but 
e  being 
during 


'¥-"3«: 


:,.*.. 


,,.5?,. 


!  X 


^ 


!l    !!.• 


i     f   • 

I 


is 


I 


,.^6^*  ■^..^-•*        ..>»-■ 


^  "v 


Plate  XXVII.  Pages  118,  119. 

NIGHTHAWK. 

Lpiif^th.  lO-OO  iiiclu's.  A/ii/i\  iiliovc,  Idack,  whilo,  and  rusty;  holow, 
black  and  white ;  throat,  bands  in  wing,  and  tail  wlute.  Female,  sindlar, 
but  throat  rusty ;  no  tail-band. 

WHIP-POOR-WILL. 

Length,  9 -To  inehes.  Male,  body  black,  rusty,  and  buff;  primaries 
spotted  with  rusty ;  tips  of  outer  tail-feathers  and  breast-band  white. 
Female,  similar,  but  breast-band  and  end  of  tail  rusty. 


A 


V    ?ii 


DUCKS. 


81) 


LAMELLIBOSTBAL  SWIMMERS.    (OBDEB.  ANSEBES.) 
DicKH,  Gkkhk,  and  Swans.    (Family  Anatid.k.) 

This  fiiiiiily  coiitiiinrt  mmw.  two  hundred  HpecieH,  and 
is  rci)roseiite(l  in  nil  parts  of  tiio  W(trld.  It  liichides  five 
suhfaiiiiht's  :  the  Mortfansors  {Mtiyuuv),  or  Kish-eating 
Ducks;  thu  P(»iid  or  Uiver  Ducks  (Andthnf),  the  JJay  or 
Sea  Ducks  {Fif//(/n/in<t');  the  (ieese  {AnHi't'iiut)\  and 
the  Swans  {('i/tjnhxv). 

Ducks,  like  all  hunted  birds,  arc  exceedin<:fly  wild, 
and  comparatively  few  species  will  come  within  reach  of 
the  student's  opera-^lass.  Tlie  gntup  may  therefore  bo 
reviewed  brielly.  The  Mergansers  or  Shelldrakes,  iniin- 
berin<^  three  species,  have  narrow,  serrate  bills  whidi 
enable  tliem  to  hold  the  fish  they  pursue  and  catch 
under  water  (sec  Fig.  1 S). 

Tlie  Uiver  Ducks  have  little  or  no  lobe  or  flap  on  the 
hind  toe.  In  this  {Troup  belon<i;  our  ^Fallard,  Widgeon, 
Pintail,  Hlue-winged  and  Cireen-winged 
Teals,  Black  Duck,  Wood  Duck,  and 
others.  All  but  the  last  two  nest  in 
the  North  and  are  found  in  i>nr  latitude  only  during 
their  8])ring  and  fall  migrations,  or,  if  the  weather  be 
mild,  in  the  winter.  The  Black  Duck  and  Wood  Duck 
nest  rarely  in  the  Middle  States. 

All  these  birds  feed  in  shallow  water  by  "dabbling" 
or  "tipping,"  terms  wdiich  will  be  readily  understood  by 
any  one  who  has  watched  domesticated  Ducks  feeding. 

The  Bay  and  Sea  Ducks,  on  the  contrary,  are  divers, 
and  may  descend  to  the  bottom  in  water  more  than  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  depth.  They  are  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  River  Ducks  by  the  presence  of  a 

flap  or  lobe  on  the  hind  toe.     The  commoner  members  of 
14 


Biver  Dnoks, 
IMati'  V. 


<4 


I 


90 


DUCKS  AND  GEESE. 


this  subfamily  are  tlie  Redliead,  Canvaf.!)ack,  Scaup  or 
Bruadbill,  Whistler,  JjutMehead,  Old  Si^uaw,  Eider,  three 
species  of  St-oters  or  "  Coots  "  and  Rucidy  Duck.  These 
are  all  northern-hreedini^  birds  who  visit  the  waters  of 
our  bays  and  coasts  Jiiring  their  ]nii>;ratioiis  or  in  the 
winter. 

The  bill  in  both  River  and  Bay  Ducks  has  a  series  of 
gutters  on  either  side  which  serve  as  strainers.  The 
birds  secure  a  large  part  of  their  food — of  small  mollusks, 
crustaceans,  and  seeds  of  a(juatic  plants — from  the  bot- 
tom, taking  in  with  it  a  (]uantity  of  mud,  which  they 
get  rid  of  by  closing  the  bill  and  forcing  it  out  through 
the  strainers,  the  food  being  retained. 

Geese  are  more  terrestrial  than  Ducks,  and,  though 
they  feed  under  water  by  tipping,  often  visit  the  land  to 
procure  grass,  corn,  or  cereals,  which  they  readily  nip  off. 
The  white-faced,  black-necked  Canada  Goose  is  our  only 
connnon  speoies.  Its  long  overland  journeys,  while 
migrating,  render  it  familiar  to  many  who  have  seen  it 
only  in  the  air.  It  migrates  northward  in  IVIarch  and 
April  and  returns  in  October  and  November,  breeding 
from  the  Northern  States  northward  and  winterinr  from 
New  Jersey  southward. 

The  two  Swans,  Whis<-'ing  an>i  Trum])eter,  found  in 
North  America,  are  gCiierally  rare  on  the  Atlantic 
coast. 


i«!«(l 


J 


HERONS,   STORKS,   IBISES,   ETC.     (OBDEB 
HEBODIONES.) 

Herons  and  Bitterns.    (Family  Ardeid^.) 

Of  the  seventy -five  known  mcmi)ers  ',f  this  family 
fourteen  inhabit  eastern  North  America.  Most  of  these 
are  Southern  in  distribution,  only  six  or  seven  species 
regularly  visiting  the  Northern  States.     Their  large  size 


3aup  or 
r,  three 

Tliose 
iters  of 

in  the 


:■'■,    f; 


. , .  ^    , 


»■'■* 

^    r 


;eries  of 
;.  Tlie 
lollusks, 
the  hot- 
eh  they 
through 

,  though 

i  laud  to 

•  nip  off. 

our  only 

s,   while 

seen  it 

rc'li  and 

)reeding 

nr  from 

■oiind  in 
lAtlantic 


v..-    V: 


< 

^ 

i^'ir 

'''V   "■ 

■  V'-* 

) 

1.      ' 

:  '  '            "  ^  1 

-               ■        s 

:;1 

..•;•■.     ■■ 

■■■■■ ''^::.- 

■^0 


■vv,.   ■•*;• 
■^    ■•■- 

'■i"%      •■■'■ .  ■ 


■.^;t:^*-;fit''.-rM  •*••■,. 


■•-  A 


'^■", , 


.%--'^' 


IB. 


family 
lof  these 

species 
trge  size 


•.)(l 


1!'  (  ics  AKD  <,r.K>.r]. 


SPi  H 


tins    r'Ti^'.i'i.l  *'     !' "  f      Th'-      Kr.,h"-ii 
,^j.^^  i'V,   III"  ,;•-(■.. Ivl^      ;:•         '     •     ' 

;;  ;■'   ill!    mi.';-;'i.m';) 

^.-•iC'i-      ■  •]■     ■::'..  I-    :■■'■[■■ 
b'il'I'W  H< 'I'll  IT  "  i;ii :.     ;. 
•:(i.'''>r,   ri,-,    >\l  i    •      •  !•     • 
'  -U',    f'«"   fi;v    ili      ''i'^'  , 

r!.i    ■■■  ■■  I  tii/T-    fh-    !  ',;<('  ■ '' 

'■.i.j.'r,'      .li'"     M.'     ".'     'l 

i-ii;ilM.  •.■'i     .•  |-.     ii'-  i  ;, 

nil;; -i.'^  :!!.■;.   !0  .   -  '     ''     'i' 

'■ijilv  ij:    ■  'i:'  ;u.'.      ' ;•  ,'  i:.- 
A('>r1  ;tn'l    •■'./rr;:i.      >r    » >.,.  ■ 
i  f(;!j,l   t!  ■.     N    *'  ■  It'V'll   S.!!;<'.'.' 
\'i'\V   J;.'l -(>>,■    ^.  )i"'iV,ai">i 

Nm;-   [:  .     \  -iw;,'!  'ti,,       ;.i  \;      ...  .i 

<-.;,i-i. 


I 

■"  '•    ,  '  '    itn  •! !  I,  - '    -'aj 

-;  .        ,■       "  ■-■It    '  -'  ■    lu.\C  i-> 

1,1  <i    ■  , ■  V   tii'i  'i.t. 

•  :ti:  •   ■      .  ■ .    ■'   '-.H'   >  \:l\ 

,i.  ■   -'.  ■  -s;    ..11     ••■ 


^r;,     ri4i"!'Ff\ 


\  ... 


;'1:l)1\ 


•>'  in'" 


.11; 


Plate  XXVIII. 

CHIMNEY  SWIFT. 
Longth,  .5-40  inches.     S(.,;ty  lilack,  Ihront  grayish. 


Page  110. 


3 


I 


GREAT  BLUE   HERON. 


91 


renders  Herons  conspicuous,  and,  though  worthless  as 
food,  few  so-called  sj)ortsnien  can  resist  the  temptation 
of  shooting  at  them  when  opportunity  oifers.  Several 
of  the  Southern  species,  notiibly  the  Snowy  Heron  and 
AVhite  Egret,  are  adorned  during  the  nesting  season  with 
the  beautiful  "  aigrette  "  ])lumes  which  are  apparently  so 
necessary  a  part  of  woman's  headgear  that  they  will  go 
out  of  fashion  only  when  the  birds  go  out  of  existence. 
One  can  not  blame  the  phxme  hunters,  who  are  generally 
j)Oor  men,  f(jr  killing  birds  whose  plumes  are  worth  more 
than  their  weight  in  gold — the  blame  lies  in  another 
quai'ter.  But  1  have  ikj  words  with  which  to  express 
my  condenmation  of  the  man  who  kills  one  of  these 
birds  wantonly. 

The   presence   of    a    stately   Great   Blue   Heron  or 
"  Crane "  adds   an   element  to  the  landscape  which  no 

Great  Blue  Heron,     "^^'"''^^  "^  '"'»"  ^''"^  equal.     Its  grace  of 
Ar,Ua  /uroi/iaK       form   and   motion,   emphasized   by  its 
Plato  A  1.  large  size,  is  a  constant  dehght  to  the 

eye  ;  it  is  a  symbol  of  the  wild  in  Nature ;  one  never 
tires  of  A-atehing  it.  "What  punishment,  then,  is  severe 
enough  for  the  man  who  robs  his  fellows  of  so  pure 
a  source  of  enjoyment  ?  A  rifle  ball  turns  this  noble 
creature  into  a  useless  mass  of  flesh  and  feathers ;  the 
loss  is  irreparable.  Still,  we  have  no  law  to  prevent  it. 
Herons  are  said  to  devour  large  numbers  of  small  fish. 
But  is  not  the  laborer  worthy  of  his  hire  ?  Are  the  fish 
more  valuable  than  this,  one  of  the  grandest  of  birds  ? 

The  Great  Blue  Heron  breeds  throughout  North 
America,  but  there  are  now  only  a  few  localities  in  the 
northeastern  States  where  it  may  be  found  nesting.  We 
usually  see  it,  therefore,  as  a  migrant  in  April  and  May, 
and  from  August  to  November. 

The  Little  (Treen  Heron  is  the  smallest,  as  the  Great 
Blue  Heron  is  the  largest,  of  our  Herons.     Its  sniall 


ul 


92 


HERONS. 


!  ;, 


y    ' 


size,  preference  for  wooded  rejjions  instead  of  marshes, 
and  liahit  of  nesting  alone,  not  in  flocks,  like  most  Iler- 
Little  Green  Heron,    «"«'   accounts   for  its    being    relatively 
Ai;/,it  vir,ii<\iiii.       common.      It  arrives  from  the    South 
I'lati'  VI.  about   April    20,   and    nests    early    in 

May.  The  nest,  as  is  usual  in  this  family,  is  a  rude 
platform  of  sticks  and  is  placed  in  a  bush  or  the  lower 
branch  of  a  tree,  often  overhanging  the  water.  The  eggs 
number  from  three  to  si.\,  and  in  color  are  pale  green- 
ish blue.  The  young,  although  born  with  a  covering  of 
hairlike  feathers,  are  (piite  helpless  and  are  reared  in 
the  nest.  Adults  have  the  crown  and  back  dark,  glossy 
green,  the  neck  reddish  brown. 

The  notes  of  this  little  Heron  are  a  clear  whistle  and 
a  harsh  t^juawk,  nttered  when  it  is  frightened.  It  then 
seeks  refuge  by  alighting  in  a  distant  bush  or  tree,  and 
with  upstretched  neck  and  twitching  tail  watches  the 
intruder. 

The  Xight  Heron,  or  Squawk,  doubtless  owes  its 
escape  from  the  fate  of  most  Herons  to  its  nocturnal 
habits.  These  birds  arrive  from  the 
South  in  April  and  remain  until  Oc- 
tober. They  nest  in  large  colonies,  a 
rookery  not  far  from  New  York  city 
being  inhabited  by  at  least  one  thousand 
pairs.  It  is  in  a  low,  wooded  tract,  and  the  nests  are  built 
in  the  trees  at  an  average  height  of  thirty  feet.  The  eggs 
number  four  to  six,  and  in  color  are  pale  bluish  green. 

At  night,  while  feeding,  these  Herons  are  doubtless 
distributed  over  a  \vide  area.  When  flying,  they  often 
utter  a  loud  ftquawk,  the  origin  of  one  of  their  common 
names.  It  is  a  surprising  sound  when  heard  near  by  at 
night,  and  has  doubtless  aroused  the  curiosity  of  many 
persons  who  live  near  a  line  of  flight  followed  by  these 
birds  in  going  to  and  from  their  nests. 


Black-crowned 

Night  Heron, 

Ki/ct  ieo  ra  x  ti  yet  Uvrtix 

luvvius. 

rintc  VI. 


i 


AMERICAN  BITTERN. 


03 


Tlie  Bittern,  or  Stake  Driver,  is  a  summer  resident  of 
our  larger  marshes,  arriving  early  in  April  and  remaining 
Amerinan  Bittern,     ""^il  October.     Though  by  no  means 
Botuuntu  hnt!<jinu>!us.  couimon,  its  uotcs  are  so  loud  and  re- 
I'latcVii.  niarkable   that   even    a  single   calling 

bird  is  more  likely  to  attract  attention  than  many  smaller 
abundant  species.  Under  favorable  circumstances  these 
notes  may  be  heard  for  at  least  three  fourths  of  a  mile. 
They  are  of  two  kinds.  One  is  described  as  the  "  pump- 
ing" call,  and  is  generally  written  jHmp-e/'-luitl',  jjumjj- 
er-lunk^l>ainp-er-bui'k.,  while  the  other  is  deceptively  like 
the  sound  produced  by  driving  a  stake  in  the  mud.  Mr. 
Bradford  Torrey,  one  of  the  few  ornitliologists  who  has 
observed  the  bird  while  it  was  uttering  these  singular 
cries,  tells  us  (The  Auk,  vi,  1889,  p.  1)  that  they  are 
attended  by  violent,  convulsive  movements  of  the  head 
and  neck,  which  suggest  the  contortions  of  a  seasick 
person,  but  that  the  bird's  bill  is  neither  inunersed  in 
water  nor  plunged  in  the  mud,  as  I.»a8  been  popularly 
supposed. 


CP.AXES,  BAILS,  ETC.     (ORDER  PALUDICOL.a:.) 

Rails  and  Coots.    (Family  RALLiDyE.) 

Rails  are  marsh-inhabiting  birds,  more  often  heard 
than  seen.  They  are  very  reluctant  to  take  wing,  and 
when  pursued  seek  safety  by  running  or  hiding  rather 
than  by  flying.  When  flusued,  they  go  but  a  short  dis- 
tance, and  with  dangling  legs  soon  drop  back  into  the 
grasses. 

Of  the  one  hundred  and  eighty  members  of  this 
family,  fourteen  inhabit  North  Ainerica  and  eight  visit 
the  northeastern  United  States.  Only  three  or  four  of 
these,  however,  are  abundant,  the  most  numerous  and 


f; 


';    L 


'.•1 


IlAIIiS   AND  COOT. 


I\'i:iinit  fiiiiiliiiii. 
IMlltr  VII. 


generally  dirttributod  spt'cirs  beiiijjj  our  Sora  or  Carolina 
Kail,  so  wt'Il  known  to  sportsmen.  This  bird  passes 
g^jjj  us  in  the  sprini;,'  in  A|)ril  and  nests  from 

.Massachusetts  northward,  it  returns 
in  Au«>;ust  and  linijers  in  our  wild-rice 
marshes  until  October.  Duriuijf  the  nestinj;-  season  it 
has  two  calls — a  whistled,  /v/'-//vv,  and  a  high,  rollinj; 
wlihnii/.  In  the  fall  it  utters  a  hnk  or  y>*vy>  when  dis- 
turbetl. 

There  is  no  se.xual  dilference  in  color  in  this  species, 
l»ut  birds  of  the  year  lack  the  black  about  the  base  of 
the  bill  and  on  the  throat,  and  iiave  the  breast  washed 
with  cinnamon. 

Our  other  s[)ecies  of  Rail  are  the  Kini^,  Yellow,  and 
Little  Dlack  Mail,  all  of  which  are  rare;  the  Viru:;inia  Rail, 

Clapper  Bail  which  is  more  connnon,  and  the  (Map- 

h'ii//'is  n:/u/,tii.i.  j)er  Rail  or  Marsh  Hen,  an  abundant 
'"'"''' ^'"-  species  in    some    of  the   salt    marshes 

aloiii;'  our  coasts  from  Lonji;  Fsland  southward.  Tt  is  a 
noisy  bird  with  a  peculiar  cackliiiijj  call  which  it  utters 
in  a  way  that  suggests  the  sound  produced  by  some  auto- 
matic t(\ys. 

Its  nest  is  made  of  dried  grasses,  the  surrounding 
marsh  grass  being  slightly  arched  over  it.  Eight  to 
twelve  buffy,  speckled  eggs  are  laid,  a  nund)er  which, 
in  connection  with  the  abundance  of  the  bird,  has  led  to 
the  persistent  robbing  of  its  nests  by  men  who  sell  the 
eggs  for  food.  As  a  result  of  tliis  practice  the  birds 
have  greatly  decreased  in  numbers  during  recent  years. 

The  Coot,  ]\rud-hen,  or  ("'row-duck  diifers  from  the 
Rails  in  having  lol)ed  toes  (see  Fig.   12)  and  in  being 

American  Coot,       '"^^''^  acpiatic.     In  fact,  it  is  more  like 
Fiio,;i  „m,r!nin,i.      H  Duck  iu  liabits  tluui  like  a  Rail,  but 
its  pointed,  white-tipped  bill  will  i)re- 


I'liiti  VIII. 


vent  its  being  mistaken  for  one. 


li'it 


or  Oaroliiin 

bird    jmssc's 

Hosts  froiji 

It    I'otiinis 

ir  wild-rlce 

?  season    it 

,H'li,   rolliiit; 

wlic'ii  (lis- 


Ins  speoies, 
iio  huso  of 
1st  wasliod 

ollow,  and 
'ginia  Rail, 
the  Clap- 
ahuiidaiit 
t  iiiarslies 
1.  It  is  a 
li  it  utters 
iome  auto- 


iTouiidinir 

Eiglit  to 

or  wliicli, 

lias  led  to 

>  sell  the 

the  birds 

it  yeai's. 

from  tlie 

ill  being 

more  like 

Kail,  but 

will  pre- 


y '  1'^'^ 


R. 


if  I 


rr 


Etntst  oeturt  Tlii>m|..»oh 


Plate  XXX.  Page  122. 

KINGRIKD. 

L(>iif;lh,  H-')i)  iiii'lics.  Upper  parts  t^rayish  black  ;  lip  of  tail  and  uiidtn' 
parts  whitr  ;  an  oian^o-rod  crown-paU'h.  J'c////^'-,  similar,  but  without 
orange-red  in  crown. 


I 


6'    I 


I  i     f 


in    f 


WOODf'OrK. 


O.*) 


It  riiroly  hroedn  on  tlio  vVtlantic^  (^oast,  Imt  is  soiijo- 
t'mu's  cominoti  i»ii  our  miirsli-ltonk'riMl  stretuiirt  in  tlio 
fiill. 


SHORE  BIRDS.     (ORDER  LIMICOLS!.) 

Snipeh  and  Sandi'ii'Krs.    (Family  Scoloi-aimd-k.) 

TiiK  wiicocssfiil  piii'siiit  of  iMtro  birds  on  our  coastn 
retjuiit's  a  s|t('cial  knowlod^jjo  ol  tlicir  notes  and  liahits. 
Tliirty  (tf  the  one  Inindred  known  species  visit  us  annu- 
ally, l)Ut  (»t"  this  ninnher  only  two  or  three  nest,  most  <if 
the  others  mii^rutinji;  in  May  to  their  breedin<>:  <;roun(ls  in 
the  far  North.  The  return  migration  takes  place  dui'in<jj 
.Inly,  Aui^ust,  and  September,  but  with  some  exceptions 
these  birds  are  seen  only  by  those  who  hunt  tnem  sys- 
tematically with  decoys, 

( )nly  these  exceptions  and  our  suimner  resident  species 
will  be  mentioned  here.     C\)nunonest  amonp;  the  latter 

Woodcock  ''^  ^^'^  Woodcock,  a  bird  so  uidike  other 

i'hUnh,Ui  ,uii,;v.  Sni])e  in  his  choice  of  haimts  that  lie 
Fii,'s,  oiiiiii  r.>.  seems  (piite  out  of  j)lace  in  this  family. 
Nor  is  he,  strictly  speakin<«;,  a  summer  resident,  for  there 
are  only  three  months  in  the  year  when  the  AVoodcoek 
is  not  with  us.  He  conies  in  INIarch  as  soon  as  the  frost- 
iKtund  earth  will  ])ennit  hiju  to  probe  for  his  diet  of 
worms,  and  he  remains  until  some  December  freeze 
drives  him  southward. 

Low%  wet  woods,  where  skunk  cabbage  and  hellebore 
thrive,  or  bush-grown,  s])ringy  runs,  are  the  Woodcock's 
early  haunts.  In  August,  while  molting,  he  often  visits 
cornfields  in  the  bottom  lands,  aiul  in  the  fall  wooded 
hillsides  are  his  resorts.  I]ut,  wherever  he  is,  the  Wood- 
cock leaves  his  mark  in  the  form  of  "borings" — little  holes 
which  dot  the  earth  in  clusters,  and  show  where  the  bird 


96 


SPOTTED  SANDPIPER. 


'  I 


has  probed  for  earthworms  with  his  lon<^,  sensitive  bill, 
the  upper  mandible  of  which,  as  Mr.  (xurdon  Trumbull 
has  discovered,  the  bird  can  use  as  a  tiuiijei". 

The  Woodcock's  nest  is  made  of  dried  leaves,  and  the 
four  lar<>;e,  pear-shaped  egi>s  are  butf,  spotted  with  shades 
of  reddish  brown.  The  .young  are  born  covered  with 
rich  chestnut  and  buff  down,  and  can  run  as  soon  as 

dry. 

As  a  songster  the  Woodcock  is  unique  among  our 
summer  birds.  Ordinarily  sedate  and  dignitied,  even 
pompous  in  his  demeanor,  in  the  s])ring  he  falls  a  victim 
to  the  passion  which  is  accountable  f  »r  s<j  many  strange 
customs  in  the  bird  world. 

If  some  April  evening  you  visit  the  Woodcock's 
haunts  at  sunset,  you  may  hear  a  loud,  nasal  note  repeated 
at  short  intervals — /K'c/it,  pccitt.  It  resembles  the  call  of 
a  Nighthawk,  but  is  the  Woodcock  sounding  the  first 
notes  of  his  love  song,  lie  is  on  the  ground,  and  as  you 
listen,  the  call  ceases  and  the  ])ird  springs  from  the  ground 
to  mount  skyward  on  whistling  wings.  lie  may  rise 
three  huiulred  feet,  then,  after  a  second's  pause,  one  hears 
a  twittering  whistle  and  the  bird  shoots  down  steep 
inclines  oarthward.  llidess  disturlied,  he  will  probably 
return  to  near  the  spot  from  which  he  started  and  at 
once  resume  his  peenthuj.  This,  with  the  twittering 
note,  is  vocal ;  the  whistling  sound,  heard  as  the  bird  rises, 
is  produced  by  the  rapid  passage  of  air  through  its  stif- 
fened primaries. 

Our  only  other  counnon  summer  resident  Snijie  is  the 
Spotted    Sandpiper.      It  frecpients  the  shores  of  lakes, 

Spotted  Sandpiper,      P"'"'^'   '^"'^   "'J^'^'"*^'    '^"'^    i'^    *l'^^>    f»"^'<* 

Aditis  mnridari'i.      ucar  tlic  sea,  but  wherever  seen  may  be 

I'liite  XI.  kTU>wn   by  its  singular    tipping,  teter- 

ing  motion,  which  has  given  it  the  names  of  Tip-up  and 

Teter  Snipe.     It  is  also  called  Peet-weet,  from  its  sharp 


fc'  I 


5itive  bill, 
Trumbull 

s,  and  the 
itli  sliiules 
jred  with 
i  soon  as 

iions^  our 
led,  even 
»  a  victiiri 
y  strange 

L»od(!OC'k's 

repeated 
lie  call  of 

the  first 
id  as  you 
e  gi'ound 
nay  i-ise 
5ne  heai's 
vn  steep 
])robably 
1  and  at 
A'ittcring 
ird  rises, 

its  stif- 


j)e  is  the 
)f  lakes, 
I)  fouiid 
may  be 
!^',  tcter- 
-uj)  and 
its  sharp 


it   >' 


i  ''A^ 


',  ..'I 


s- 


¥^^'. 


p. 


i 

I 


Plate  XXXI.  Page  12'!. 

CRESTED  FLYCATCHER, 

L(Mit,'th,  !)•()()  iiiclics.     rpi"M'  parts  l)r()wiiish  olive-givon  ;  inner  vaiu>  of 
tuil-fcalliiMs  rusty;  Itrcast  j^jray  ;  liclly  \m\o  yollow. 


WILSON'S  SNIPE. 


9; 


Wilson's  Snipe, 

Gall'itUij'j  lit  licatd. 
I'lutt  IX. 


call,  rapidly  repeated  as  it  flies  over  the  water.  After 
gaining  headway  it  sails  for  some  distance,  when  its  wide- 
stretclied  winii;.s  show  a  white  bar  or  hand. 

The  Spotted  Sandpiper  arrives  from  the  Sovith  late 
in  April  and  remains  nntil  October.  It  nests  in  the  lat- 
ter half  of  May,  laying  four  pear-shaped  eggs,  in  color 
white  or  buff,  thickly  spotted  nd  speckled  with  choco- 
late, chiefly  at  the  larger  end.  The  young,  like  those  of 
all  Snipe,  are  born  with  a  covering  of  downy  feathers, 
and  can  run  as  soon  as  dry.  The  egg  is,  therefore,  large 
in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  bird,  and  measures  1*25  by 
•95  inches.     (See  Fig.  2-i^?.) 

Unlike  the  two  preceding  birds,  Wilson's  or  the 
English  Snipe  is  not  a  sunnner  resident  in  the  Middle 
States,  but  as  a  rule  nests  from  north- 
ern No'v  England  northward,  though 
there  art-  records  of  its  breeding  as 
far  south  as  Connecticut  and  Pennsylvania.  It  migrates 
northward  in  March  and  April,  and  the  return  joui'ney 
occurs  during  September  and  October.  It  is  not  a  true 
shore  bird,  but  frequents  fresh-water  marshes  and  mead- 
ows, and  in  rainy  April  weather,  when  the  lowlands  be- 
come more  or  less  flooded,  it  may  be  found  in  places  where 
few  persons  would  think  of  looking  for  Snipe. 

Like  the  Woodcock,  Wilson's  Snipe  probes  the  mud 
for  food,  and  when  on  the  ground  among  the  grasses  its 
colors  and  pattern  of  coloration  so  closely  resemble  its 
surroundings  that  it  is  almost  invisible. 

When  flushed,  it  utters  a  startled  san'j),  and  darts 
quickly  into  the  air,  flying  at  first  in  so  erratic  a  manner 
<"''.at  it  has  become  famous  among  sportsmen  as  a  difti- 
cult  mark. 

Like  the  Nighthawk,  Wilson's  Snipe  sometimes  dives 
earthward  from  high  in  the  air,  making  as  he  falls  a 
sound  which  Minot  compares  to  that  produced  by  throw- 
15 


■(• 


08 


SEMIPALMATED  SANDPIPER. 


M   [ 


iiig  a  nail  held  crof^swiso  in  the  hand,  though  it  is  louder 
and  more  full.  This  perforniaroe  is  trenerally  restricted 
tt»  late  evening  and  early  morning  during  the  spring,  but 
is  ocrasionally  [jracticed  in  the  fall. 

Mo.Nt  of  our  transient  visitant  Snipe  are  true  shore 

birds.    JMiiny  of  them  are  classed  as  game  birds,  and  have 

SemiDalmated  '^*'^^    become    so    uncommon    that,     as 

Sandpiper,  before  remarked,  it  i-ecpiires  a  special 

Ere!ni.,:ti'sjiu.v'//,if.:     knowledge  of  their  ways   in   order  to 

"'"^ '  ■  find  them.     But  there  are  some  species 

too  small  to  be  worthy  the  si)ortsmaTrs  attention,  and  they 

are  often  numerous  on  our  beaches.     They  are  generally 

known  as  Peeps  or  Ox-eyer>  but  in  books  are  termed 

Semipalmated    Sandpipers—active   little   fellows,   with 

black,  gray  and  rusty  backs  and  white  under  parts,  avIio 

run  along  the  shore,  feeding  on  the  small  forms  of  life 

cast  up  by  the  waves.     They  are  sociable  birds,  and  even 

when  feeding  the  mend)ers  of  a  flock  keep  together,  while 

when  flying  they  move  almost  as  one  bird. 

These  Sandjiipers  visit  us  in  May,  Avhen  journeying  to 
tlieir  summer  homes  within  the  Arctic  Circle,  and  return 
in  Jidv,  to  liny-er  on  our  shores  until  October.  Their 
call-note  is  a  cheery,  peeping  twitter,  which  probably 
suojo'ested  one  of  their  common  names. 


Plovers.    (Family  CHARADRiiDiE.) 

Most  Plovers  differ  from  Snipe  in  possessing  three 
instead  of  four  toes,  and  in  having  the  scales  on  the  tarsi 
rounded,  not  square  or  transverse.  Their  bill  is  shorter 
and  stouter  than  that  of  Snipe,  and  they  do  not  probe 
for  food,  but  pick  it  up  from  the  surface. 

Although  several  species  visit  dry  fields  and  uplands, 
they  are  ranked  as  shore  birds  or  bay  birds,  and,  as  with 
Snipe,  the  species  large  enough  to  be  ranked  as  game 


I  I 


i-l^- 


'■^'  -^i^"  •'•'■•- 


?i. 


'"1^. 


^/»*» 


1$ 


■  V%f?J\^-> 


■■f>: 


)lands, 

s  with 

game 


■  _3  ■^in^-T  ■  •a^'tj.'  i 


m 


; 


t 


f  I  i 


!  .^^ 


:i 


III 

!  M 


(■■-. 


i    t 


tt   I 


i 


t'i 


1^1 


n  ^'h 


1 


it 


Ml 


^i"  \ !  >M  1  i:i.    .  \v  I,. 


- '  .''  ...I 


I  I.'.  1," 


'I  • 


1     -■     -I. 


i 


f 


1 


'j^^^ifmrrr^^'^ 


.  :     I 


Platk  XXXII.  Page  124. 

PHCEBE. 

Loiit^th,  7'0(t  inchos.  Baok  dusky  olive;  crown  Idackish;  iindor  parts 
wiiito  tingod  with  yellow;  outer  margin  of  outer  tail-featliors  whitish; 
bill  black. 


i 


PLOVERS. 


Dl) 


have  becomo  oompnrativcly  rare.  Of  the  one  liniidred 
known  spefics,  six  visit  euHtorn  North  Anierica — the 
IMack-hreasted,  (tolden,  Pipin*^,  Wilson's,  Seinipahuated, 
and  Killdeer  Plovers.  Only  the  hist  two  of  tlese  are 
c'onnnon  cnoiij^h  to  deserve  nicnti(tn  here. 

Killdeer  '^^'^  Killdeer,  with  the  exception  of 

.^ffiantin  iwi/ira.     tlic  Piping:;  Plover,  is  the  only  bird  of 

Plato  XI.  j-jjjj^   family  that  nests  with  us.     It  is 

irregularly  distributed  in  the  northeastern  States,  but  its 
noisy  call,  l'lltl('<\  l'iUh'i\  and  striking  markings  render  it 
a  conspicuous  bird  even  where  it  is  uncomiuon.  It  fre- 
quents uplajidsand  lowlands,  fields  and  shores,  but  prefers 
the  vicinity  of  water.  Its  nest  of  grasses  is  made  on  the 
ground,  and  its  four  eggs  are  whitish,  spotted  and  scrawled 
with  chestnut,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end. 

The  Semipahnated  or  King-necked  Plover  looks  like 
a  miniature  of  the  Killdeer,  but,  in  addition  to  other  dif- 

_  .  ,  ^  ,  _,  ferences,  has  onlv  one  band  on  the 
Semipalmated  Plover,  ' 

^EijMiuu  breast.     The  male  has  the  upjicr  parts 

semipaimata.  browuisli  gray,  the  under  parts,  nape, 
" " '  ■  and  forehead  white,  while  the  breast- 

band,  crown,  and  cheeks  are  black.  In  the  female  these 
black  areas  are  brownish  gray.  This  Plover  visits  our 
shores  and  beaches  during  its  northward  migration  in 
May  and  southward  migraticni  in  August  and  September. 
Thanks  to  its  small  size,  it  is  not  hunted  as  game,  and 
for  this  reason  is  almost  as  common  as  the  little  Peeps 
or  Ox-eyes,  with  which  it  often  associates.  Its  call  is  a 
simple  but  exceedingly  sweet  and  pjaintive  two-noted 
whistle. 


M 


I'ti 


I  i 


] 


THE  LAND   BIRDS. 
GALLINACEOUS  BIRDS.     (ORDER  OALLINiE.) 

B(»u-\viiirKs,  (JuorsK,  ktc    (Famii-y  Tktuaonid^k) 

This  is  the  family  of  the  jjanic  Mnis — the  aristocnits 
of  thci  lilrd  world.  They  are  protectively  colored  hirds, 
their  rich  hrowii,  hiiif,  and  black  i)luiiia<;;e  haniioiiiz- 
iii<^  with  their  sui-rouiidiii^s.  Relying  on  their  iucon- 
spicnonsness,  they  avoid  daiiij^er  by  hiding;;  rather  than  by 
tli<;ht,  takini^  wiii<^  only  as  a  final  resort.  Then,  with  a 
startliii<jj  ioh!r-/'-/\  they  spring  into  the  air,  their  short, 
stronuf  wings  enabling  them  to  reach  their  greatest  speed 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  starting  point. 

One  of  the  best-known  niend)ers  of  this  distinguished 
family  is  our  familiar  Bob-white,  the  Quail  of  tlie  North 
and  Partridge  of  the  South.  The  fact 
^,.  '.  .  .'  ,^  is,  he  is  neither  a  true  Quail  nor  Par- 
tridge,  and  those  wlio  chiiin  that  l)ut 
one  of  these  names  is  correct  may  compromise  on  "  Dob- 
white." 

The  Bob-wbite  inhabits  the  eastern  United  States,  and 
wherever  found  is  resident  throughout  the  year.  The 
sexes  are  ituich  alike  in  color,  the  only  important  differ- 
ence being  in  the  throat  and  the  line  over  the  eye,  which 
are  white  in  the  male  and  buff  in  the  female. 

No  bird  better  illustrates  the  peculiar  potency  of 
bird  song,  and  the  hopelessness  of  attempting  to  express  its 
charm.  If  I  should  describe  Bob-white's  call  to  a  person 
who  bad  never  heard  it,  as  two  ringing  notes,  do  you 
suppose  he  would  have  the  faintest  conception  of  what 

100 


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<l^l 


Plate  XXXIII. 


WOOD  PEWEE. 


Paoe  12G. 


Lcii.ulli.    <!•.")()    iiwlii's.      I^pjKM'   |nnis  dusky   olivc-jji'iM'ii ;    under   iiiirlc 
whitish.  wmsIhmI  with  diisjvv;  inwcf  uiandilph'  v<>ll()\visii. 


s 


RUFFED  GROUSE. 


101 


they  mean  to  tliose  wlio  love  them  ?  The  promise  ci 
Spring,  its  fulfilhnent  in  summer,  is  clearly  told  in  Bob- 
white's  greeting.  Then,  in  the  autumn,  when  the  mem- 
bers of  a  scattered  bevy  are  signaling  each  other,  their 
sweet  tohere  are  you  f  where  are  you  ?  is  equally  associated 
with  the  season. 

The  Bob-white  nests  about  May  20,  laying  from  ten 
to  eighteen  white  eggs  in  a  nest  on  the  ground. 

The  liuffed  Grouse,  or  Partridge  of  the  North  and 

Pheasant  of  the  South,  is  proi)erly  a  true  Grouse,  and 

Ruffed  Grouse        ^^^  ^'^'^  ^^  correctly  called  either  Par- 


Bonasa  umhdlus. 
rintu  XII. 


tridge   or   Pheasant.      He    is  a   more 


northern  bird  than  tlie  J  Job- white,  be- 
ing found  south  of  Virginia  oidy  in  the  Alleghanies. 
Requiring  hirge  tract  of  woodland  for  his  haunts,  he 
is  less  generally  distributed  and  not  so  connnon  as  his 
plump  relative. 

I  always  associate  the  Grouse  with  the  astounding 
roar  of  wing.s  made  l)y  the  bird  as  he  springs  from  the 
ground  at  my  feet  and  sails  away  through  the  forest.  I 
watch  him  at  first  with  dazed  surprise,  tlien  with  a  keen 
sense  of  pleasure  in  the  meeting.  One  need  not  be  a 
sportsman  to  appreciate  the  gaminess  of  the  Grouse. 

To  find  a  hen  Grouse  with  young  is  a  meniorable 
experience.  While  the  parent  is  giving  us  a  lesson  in 
mother-love  and  bird  intelligence,  her  downy  chicks  are 
teaching  us  facts  in  protective  coloration  and  heredity. 
How  the  old  one  limps  and  flutters !  She  can  barely 
drag  herself  along  the  ground.  But  while  we  are  watch- 
ing; her,  what  has  become  of  the  ten  or  a  dozen  little 
yellow  balls  we  almost  stepped  on  ?  Not  a  feather  do 
we  see,  until,  poking  about  in  the  leaves,  we  find  one 
little  chap  hiding  here  and  another  8(piatting  there,  all 
perfectly  still,  and  so  I'ke  the  leaves  in  color  as  to  be 
nearly  invisible. 


m 


m 


102 


MOURNING  DOVE. 


The  fJrunimiiig  of  the  Grouse,  as  descrihed  by  Mr. 
Thompson,  begins  "witli  the  measured  thump  of  the  big 
drum,  then  gradually  changes  and  dies  away  in  the  I'um- 
ble  of  the  kettle-drum.  It  may  be  briefly  represented 
thus:  Thump — thump — thump — thump,  thump;  thump, 
thump — I'up  nip  rup  rup,  /•-/•-/'-/*-/'-/'-/'-/'-/•.  The  somul  is 
produced  by  the  male  bird  beating  the  air  with  his  wijigs 
as  he  stands  firmly  braced  on  some  favorite  low  perch." 

The  Ruffed  Grouse  makes  its  leaf-lined  nest  usually 
at  the  base  of  a  tree  or  stump,  and  the  eight  to  fourteen 
buff  eggs  are  laid  early  in  May. 


Nfca 


PIGEONS  AND  DOVES.     (ORDER  COLnMB.a;.) 

Pigeons  and  Doves.    (Family  Columbid^.) 

The  three  hundred  species  belonging  in  this  order  are 
distributed  throughout  most  parts  of  the  world,  but  only 
two  of  them  are  found  in  the  northeastern  States.  One 
of  these,  however,  the  Wild  Pigeon,  is  now  so  rare  that 
its  occurrence  is  worthv  of  note.  Less  than  liftv  years 
ago  it  was  exceedingly  al)undant,  but  its  sociable  habits 
of  nesting  and  flying  in  enormous  flocks  made  it  easy 
prey  for  the  market  hunter,  and,  with  that  entire  disre- 
gard of  conse(iuences  which  seems  to  characterize  man's 
action  when  his  greed  is  annised,  the  birds  were  pur- 
sued so  relentlessly  that  they  have  been  practically  ex- 
terminated. 

The  Mourning  or  Carolina  Dove  has  happily  beep 
more   fortunate.      Nesting    in    isolat  d    pairs,  and  not 
Mourning  Dove,       gathering  in  very   large  flocks,  it  has 
Zenuii/iira  iiKuroura.    escapcd  the  market  hunter. 

Piatu  xiii.  rpjjj^  jy^^^.^  .^  ^.^j^j^^i  throughout  the 

greater  part  of  North  America.     In  the  latitude  of  New 
York  it  is  a  summer  resident,  arriving  in  March  and 


TURKEY  VULTURE. 


103 


remaining  until  November.  In  April  wo  may  hear  its 
soft,  sweet  eall,  coo-o-o,  ah-coo-o-o — t'oo-o-o — coo-o-o^  as  sad 
as  the  voice  of  the  wind  in  the  I'ines. 

Althonijh  the  bird  is  as  beautiful  in  appearance  as  it 
is  graceful  in  Might,  it  is  a  surprisingly  poor  housekeeper. 
Its  platform  nest  of  a  few  twigs  is  about  as  tlinisj  as  any- 
tliing  worthy  the  name  can  be,  and  one  wonders  how 
even  two  eggs  are  kept  on  it  long  enough  to  hatch.  In 
the  West  the  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground ;  in  the  P^ast, 
on  the  lower  branch  of  a  tree. 

Like  all  the  members  of  their  family.  Doves  immerse 
the  bill  while  drinking,  and  do  not  withdraw  it  until 
the  draught  is  finished.  The  young  are  fed  on  softened 
food  regurgitated  from  the  parent's  crop. 


BIRDS  OF  PHET.     (OBDEB  BAPTOBES.) 

American  Vultures.    (Family  CATiiARTioyE.) 

TiiERF  are  but  eight  Vultures  in  the  western  hemi- 

spliere,  and  only  two  of  these,  the  Black  and  the  Turkey 

Vulture,  are  found  in  the  eastern  Uiuted  States.     The 

fonner  is  not  often  seen  north  of  North 

ur  ey  u  ure,  Qai'olina,  but  the  Tui'key  Vulture,  or 
Turkey  Buzzard,  as  it  is  more  frequent- 
ly called,  comes  each  summer  as  far  as  Princeton,  N.  J., 
and  occasionally  strays  farther  north. 

The  Turkey  Buzzard  is  one  of  Nature's  scavengers, 
and,  as  such,  is  one  of  the  few  birds  whose  services  to 
mankind  are  thoroughly  appreciated.  There  are  others 
of  equal  or  even  greater  value  who  daily  earn  their 
right  to  the  good  will  which  we  stupidly  and  persistently 
refuse  to  grant  them ;  but  of  the  Turkey  Buzzard's  assist- 
ance we  have  f  recpient  convincing  proof,  and  the  decree  has 
gone  forth  that  injury  to  this  bird  is  punishable  by  line. 


4i 


] 


104 


RED-SnOUTJ)ERED  HAWK. 


Ko  otlior  birds  are  so  well  protected  ;  and  as  a  result 
Ttirkoy  I'uzzardsand  Jilack  Vultures  walk  ahoutthe  streets 
of  some  of  our  Southern  cities  with  thetanieness  of  domes- 
tic fowls.  If  we  should  similarly  encourage  our  iusectivo- 
rous  birds,  who  can  predict  the  beneiits  which  miglit  accrue  i 


^H 


l)     • 


Hawks,  Falcons,  and  Eaoles.    (Family  Falconidte.) 

To  this  family  belong  the  diurnal  birds  of  prey, 
which  nuud)er  some  three  hundred  and  fifty  species,  and 
are  distributed  throughout  the  world.  They  are  birds 
of  strong  Hight,  and  capture  their  prey  on  the  wing  by 
striking  it  with  their  sharp,  curved  claws,  the  most  dead- 
ly weapons  to  be  found  in  any  bird's  aruiameut.  The 
bill  is  sliort,  stout,  and  hooked,  and  is  used  to  tear  the 
prey  while  it  is  held  by  the  feet. 

The  voices  of  Hawks  are  in  keeping  with  their  dis- 
positions, and,  while  their  lives  typify  all  that  is  tierce 
and  cruel,  no  birds  are  more  often  Mrongly  accused  and 
falsely  persecuted  than  our  birds  of  prey.  To  kill  one 
is  regarded  as  an  act  of  special  merit ;  to  spare  one  seems 
to  place  a  ])remium  on  crime.  Still,  these  birds  are  among 
the  best  friends  of  the  farmer.  There  are  l>ut  two  of  our 
common  s]iecies,  Cooper's  and  the  Sharp-shinned,  who 
habitually  feed  on  birds  and  poultry.  Our  other  com- 
mon species  are,  without  excejition,  invaluable  aids  to  the 
agricultui'ist  in  preventing  the  undue  increase  of  the  small 
rodents  so  destructive  to  crops. 

Any  one  reading  Dr.  Fisher's  reports  on  this  subject 
can  not  fail  to  be  impressed  with  the  array  of  facts  he 
presents  in  proof  of  the  value  of  these 
birds.  For  instance,  the  Eed-shoul- 
dered  Hawk,  to  which  the  name 
Chicken  or  Hen  Hawk  is  often  aj)- 
plied,  has  been  found  to  live  largely  on  small  mammals, 


Bed-shouldered 

Hawk, 

BlltiO  lilltdtllK. 

V\aw  XIV. 


M 


13 


;^p.•■\,>;.-»?^,?^';'■' 


l»r'"J»:'.^*S-i^-. 


as  a  result 
tlie  streets 
of  (loines- 
iiiBcctivo- 
lit  accrue  ^ 


ONID^.) 

of  prey, 
Bcies,  and 
are  birds 
wing  by 
ost  dead- 
nt.  The 
tear  the 


:heir  dis- 
is  fierce 
used  and 
kill  one 
le  seems 
e  among 
o  of  our 
ed,  wlio 
er  com- 
Is  to  the 
lie  small 

subject 
'acts  lie 
)f  these 
i-shoul- 
name 
ten  ap- 
immals, 


m 

W] 

1 

<H  1 

i|| 

OM 

1 

1  1 

» 

1,1   1 

M 

1 
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1 

1 

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! 

I 


\i  ;  ll: 


.^ 


ii 


Plate  XXXV.  Page  131. 

BALTIMORE  ORIOLE. 

Longth,  7-50  inches.  Male,  crown,  uppor  back,  and  throat  black  ;  lower 
back,  outer  tall-feathers,  breast,  and  belly  rich  oranye.  Fcmaic,  upper 
parts  mixed  lilaek  and  yellowish,  rump  and  tail  dirty  yellow;  under  parts 
dusky  yeUow. 


I  ri 


\l 


I 


RED-SIIOULDEUKU   HAWK. 


lur. 


reptiles,  batraohiaiis,  and  iiiHects.  Indeed  of  220  stomaehs 
which  were  examined  of  this  so-called  "Chicken"  Ilawk, 
oidy  ;{  contained  reniaiiis  of  poultry!  Of  the  rest,  12 
containeil  birds;  J(>2,  mice;  4(>,  other  miinnnals ;  20, 
reptiles:  J5l),  batrachians ;  !>2,  inserts;  1(!,  spiders;  7, 
crawfish;  1,  earthworms ;  2,  offal  ;  3,  fish  ;  and  14  were 
empty.*  The  usefulness  <»f  this  liuwic  is  therefore  obvi- 
ous, and  in  killinjj^  it  we  can  readily  see  that  we  not  only 
harm  ourselves  but  render  an  important  service  to  our 
enemies. 

Fortunately,  this  valuable  ally  is  one  of  our  com- 
m(»nest  Hawks,  and  is  with  us  throuijjhout  the  year.  It;; 
loud  ncrciim,  l't\'-)/i>i/,  /t'l'/'-i/ou,  as  it  sails  aiuait,  high  in  the 
air,  is  a  familiar  summer  sound.  The  "  red  "  shoulder  is  in 
reality  a  rich,  reddish  chestnut  on  the  lesser  wing-coverts, 
and  serves  to  identify  the  bird  in  both  immature  and 
adult  plumage.  The  Red-shoulder's  nest,  like  that  of 
most  of  our  Iliiwks,  is  constructed  of  sticks  and  twigs, 
with  a  lining  of  cedar  l)ark,  moss,  or  some  other  soft 
material,  and  is  situated  in  a  tree  thirty  t.)  sixty  feet 
from  the  ground.  Apparently  the  same  pair  of  birds  re- 
turn to  a  locality  year  after  year,  sometimes  using  the 
same  nest,  at  others  buildini;  a  new  one.  The  cirirs  are 
about  as  large  as  those  of  a  hen  and  in  color  are  didl 
white,  more  or  less  sprinkled,  spotted,  or  blotched  with 
cinnamon-brown  or  chocolate.  They  are  laid  early  in 
April,  most  of  the  Hawks  being  early  breeders.  The 
young  are  born  covered  with  wdiite  down,  but  are  help- 
less, and  are  reared  in  the  nest. 

The  Red-tailed  Hawk  is  also  known  as  the  Tien  Hawk 
or  Chicken  Hawk,  but  has  almost  as  good  a  record  as 


i 


*  See  Fisher,  The  Hawks  and  Owls  of  the  United  States  in  their 
Relation  to  Agriculture;     Bulletin  No.  3,   Division  of  Ornithology 
and  Munnnalogy,  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture,  1893. 
16 


■  •■'I 


100 


HAWKS. 


ll 


i  ( 


if 


h    \ 


'ii* 


Red-tailed  Hawk, 


(  'iffHs   llllllflliti  UK. 

riiitr  XV. 


till!  Rod-HlionMer,  and  Ih  (.Hiuiilly  <losorvin<:f  of  j)rotw- 
tioii.  II(^  is  liirjjfer  tlmn  the  IIimI-sIiouMit,  wIioiii  lie;  ro- 
K'liiMt'K  in  Imliitrt,  and  Ims  u  reddish 
iti-own  tuil  iind  ti  hrokcn  Mack  hsind 
across  tiui  breast  when  ndidt.  His  mil 
is  a  thin,  Ion<:;-(lra\vn,  wheo/y  whistle,  which  reminds  one 
of  the  soiitid  prodnccMl  l»y  es('a[)in;i;  steam. 

The  Marsh  Hawk  courses  to  and  '1  •»  over  field  and 
meadow,  Hko  a  (Jnll  over  the  water.  He  never  sails, 
Marsh  Hawk,  however,  hut  on  firm  win^j^  tlies  easily 
and  <irracefully,  ever  on  tlie  watch  for 
prey  in  the  grasses  lielow.  He  may 
sometimes  mistake  hirds  for  mice,  hut  he  captures  far 
more  of  the  latter  than  of  the  former,  and  only  7  of  the 
124  A[arsli  Hawks  wliose  stomachs  were  e.xamined  hy 
Dr.  Fisher  had  eaten  cliickens. 

The  Marsh  Hawk  is  migratory,  and  in  winter  is  not 
often  found  north  of  southern  Connecticut.  He  nests 
later  than  the  resident  Hawks,  and,  unlike  them,  huilds 
liis  nest  of  ijjrasses  on  the  jjjround  in  tlu'  mai'shes,  layini; 
from  four  to  six  dull  white  or  hluish  white  ei>'i;s  early 
in  ^fay. 

The   S])arrow   Hawk   has   a   ]ierfectly  clean   record, 
as  far  as  chickens  <>;o,  not  one  of  the  1520  whose  stomachs 
Sparrow  Hawk,       ^^'^''"^   examined  hy  Dr.  Fisher,  havinu; 
Fiih'ii  sparviriun.      partaken  of  poultry,  while  no  less  than 
riatc  XVI.  215  had  oaten  insects,  ajid  80  had  cap- 

tured mice.  Grasshoppers  are  the  Sparrow  Hawk's  chief 
food,  and  we  may  often  see  him  h  )verin<r  over  the  fields 
with  rapidly  movinjij  wings.  Then,  dro})|)ing  liglitly  down 
on  some  unsuspected  victim  below,  he  i-^tnrns  to  the  bare 
limb  or  stub  he  uses  for  a  lookout  station,  uttering  an 
exultant  HU>/ — Zv7/// — hllh/  as  he  Hies. 

The  Sparrow  is  distributed  throughout  the  greater 
part  of  North  America,  but  in  winter  is  not  found  north 


r 


I 

r 


•ing  an 


i 


Plate  XXXVI.  Paok  ];t2. 

OltCHAKl)  OKIOLK. 

L('iii,'ili,  7-:t(»  iiichi's.  Adult  tihil,-.  cniwii.  Imck,  iiiid  iliroal  liliick,  I'csl  (if 
lioilv  clicstmit.  Voiiu;::  iiial,\  ii|p|i('r  ll,■l^l^.  nli\c-j,'n'('M  ;  tliniiit  lilacU.  rest 
ol"  uiidci-  parts  yclldwisli.  /vw,//, ,  siinilaf,  Iml  lihic';  on  tliroat  rf|ilaciMl 
by  yello\\isli. 


(■I 


w 


HAWKS. 


107 


of  soiitliern  New  York.  It  migrates  northward  in  Teh- 
riiarv  and  Marcli,  but  does  not  nest  nntil  INfay.  Unlike 
our  other  Hawks,  it  chooses  a  liollow  tree  for  a  lionie, 
often  taking  possession  of  a  Woodpecker's  deserted  liole. 
It  lays  tliree  to  seven  eggs,  which  are  finely  and  evenly 
marked  with  reddish  brown. 

It  is  the  Sharp-shinned  and  Cooper's  Hawks  who  are 
the  real  culprits  in  Ilawkdom.     They  feed  almost  exclu- 

Sharp-shinned  Hawk,    ^^^^'^^'j  ""   ^^'''^^;   '"^^1'    ''^^"'^^   ^^"^6   ac- 

Arriju/,!'  i;/<u:       (piircd  a  tasto  for  tender  young  broilers, 

I'liiut  XVII.         ^|,Qy  ^j.g  rjpt  tQ  make  daily  visits  to  the 

hen  yards.  They  are  less  often  observed  than  the  Hawks 
previously  mentioned,  seeking  less  exposed  perches  and 
soaring  comparatively'  httle  ;  but,  when  seen,  their  slen- 
der bodies  aiul  long  tails  should  aid  in  distinguishing 
them  from  the  stouter,  slower-fiying  Hawks.  As  a  rule, 
they  are  silent.  It  is  ditHcult  to  explain  the  differences 
between  these  and  other  Hawks  with  sufiicient  clearness 
to  i)revent  one's  killing  the  wrong  kind,  but  if  the  farmer 
will  withhold  his  judgment  against  Hawks  in  general, 
and  shoot  only  those  that  visit  his  poultry  yard,  he  will 
not  go  far  astray. 

Cooper's  Hawk  resembles  the  Sharp-shinned  in  color, 
but  is  about  four  inches  longer,  and  its  outer  tail-feathers 
are  about  half  an  hich  shorter  than  the 
oopers    aw  ,       middle  ones  instead  of  being  of  eciual 
length.     With  the  preceding  species  it 
may  be  known  by  its  slender  form,  long  tail,  compara- 
tively short  wings,  and  l(»ng,  thin  tarsi  or  "legs." 

The  Chinese  and  Japanese  train  (Cormorants  to  fish 

American  Osprey       ^^^  them,  but  the  services  of  these  birds 

would   soon   be   at   a  discount  if  the 

Osprey  could  be  induced  to  woi'k  for  a 

master.     AVhat  an  inspiring  sight  it  is 

to  see  one  plunge  from  the  air  u])on  its  prey  !     One  can 


I'aiiditiii,  /(ii/iaihi.<! 

carol  hiiiiKi's. 
i'late  Will. 


m 


1 


.If 


:  '4 


111 


I 


I;.' 

I  t 
in 

I 


iu  in 


I 

I 


I  1 


..:!  ^ 


108 


OWLS, 


Bald  Eagle, 

//(diidtilH 

Icttcocfphd  a. 


sometiines  hear  the  splash  lialf  a  mile  or  more,  and  the 
bird  is  quite  concealed  by  the  spray.  It  is  a  majj;iiifi- 
cent  performance,  and  when,  after  sliakin*^  the  water  froin 
his  plumage,  he  rises  into  the  air,  I  am  always  tempted  to 
applaud. 

The  Osprey,  or  Fish  Hawk,  as  he  is  also  called,  adheres 
closely  to  a  fitmy  diet ;  neither  Hesh  nor  fowl  appears  on 
his  mrti/u,  and  he  is  consequently  a  migratory  bird,  com- 
ing in  April  when  the  ice  has  melted  and  remaining  until 
October.  In  favorable  localities  he  nests  in  colonies,  re- 
turning year  after  year  to  the  same  nest. 

One  master,  it  is  true,  the  Osprey  lias,  though  he 
makes  a  iriost  unwilling  servant.  The  Bald-headed 
Eagle  is  often  au  appreciative  observer  of  the  Osprcy's 
piscatorial  powers,  which  so  far  exceed 
his  own  that  he  wisely,  if  unjustly, 
profits  by  them.  Pursuing  the  Osprey, 
he  forces  him  to  mount  higher  and  higher  until  the  poor 
bird  in  despair  drops  his  prize,  which  the  Eagle  captures 
as  it  falls. 

Eagles  are  becoming  so  rare  in  the  Xorthern  States 
that  their  occurrence  is  sometimes  counnented  on  by  the 
local  press  as  a  matter  of  general  interest.  Nevertheless, 
no  o})portunity  to  kill  them  is  neglected,  and  the  majestic 
birds  Avho  in  life  arouse  our  keenest  admiration  are  sac- 
rificed to  the  wanton  desire  to  kill. 


The  Owls.    (Family  Bubonid^e.) 

The  Owls  nund)er  about  two  hundred  species,  and 
are  distributed  throughout  the  world.  As  a  rule  they 
are  nocturnal  or  crepuscular  birds,  passing  the  day  in 
hollow  trees  or  dense  evergreens,  and  a])pearing  oidy 
after  nightfall ;  but  there  are  some  diurnal  species,  such 


■-"•■^^^vS^^:^^ 


;'V  ■?*'.;'-•■;■ 


and 


,y:S*i^- 


m- 


,?'^_i 

,::'"*" 


■'   If 


Y* 


.J 


*  '%h\~^i>i^ 


Platk  XXXVII.  Page  V.V.\. 

PURPLE  GRACKLE. 

Lt'ii;,'tli,  miil(>,  Vl-rM  inclics;  rcmah'.  ll-OO  iiicli(>K.  Ma/,-,  licad,  lun-k, 
lliroiit,  and  lir(>asl  lirit,'lit  nn'tallic  l)lii(>,  piniilf,  oi'  f,'nH>ii ;  l)ack  willi 
iri(Jos('<>nt  liars;  Ix^lly  paler;  eye  pale  yellow.  I'cnialc,  niufh  duller 
than  iiiah>. 


/sj; 


Mi 


It 


ii 


OWLS. 


109 


as  the  Snowy  Owl  and  Hawk  Owl.  northern  birds  that 
visit  us  rarely  in  winto  . 

Because  of  their  nocturnal  habits  Owls  are  even  more 
deserving  of  protection  than  the  beneficial  Hawks,  for 
they  feed  at  a  time  when  mice  are  al)road,  and  their 
food  consists  largely  of  these  destructive  little  rodents. 
They  capture  their  prey,  like  the  Hawks,  by  striking  it 
with  their  powerful  talons,  when,  if  small  enough,  it  is 
swallowed  entire.  The  indigestible  jiortions,  hair,  bones, 
and  feathers,  are  formed  into  pellets  in  the  stomach  and 
ejected  at  the  mouth.  These  may  always  be  found  in 
numbers  beneath  an  Owl's  roosting  place,  and  form  as 
sure  an  indication  of  the  Owl's  presence  as  they  do  of 
the  nature  of  his  food.  Thus,  as  befn'c  mentioned,  two 
hundred  pellets  of  the  Barn  Owl,  taken  from  the  home  of 
a  pair  of  these  birds  in  the  tower  of  the  Smithsonian  In- 
stitution, were  found  by  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher  to  contain  the 
skulls  of  454  small  mammals. 

Owls  are  generally  inhabitants  of  woods,  but  our 
Short-eared  Owl  is  an  exception  to  this  rule,  and  lives 

Short-eared  Owl,      ^^  l-'^^'S^'  g'^^^^^J  marshes.     It  passes  the 
AxioaciipitrinuK      (lay  ou  tlic  grouud,  but  at  dusk  may  be 
riatci  XIX.  ggpj^  flying  low  over  the  marsh  in  search 

of  the  meadow  mice  which  form  a  large  pai't  of  its  ft)od. 
Dr.  Fisher  found,  on  examination  of  101  stomachs  of  this 
Owl,  that  no  less  than  77  contained  the  remains  of  mice, 
convincing  proof  of  its  usefulness.  Unlike  any  of  our 
other  Owls,  the  Short-eared  makes  its  nest  on  the  ground, 
laying  from  four  to  seven  eggs.  It  is  somewhat  irregular 
in  its  distribution,  but  has  been  found  nesting,  locally, 
from  Virginia  northward.  It  winters  from  Ifew  Jersey 
southward,  and  is  sometimes  associated  in  companies  at 
this  season. 

The  Long-eared  Owl  is  about  the  size  of  the  Short- 
eared  Owl,  but  its  "  ear-tufts  "  are  an  inch  or  more  in 


1 


no 


OWLS. 


Long-eared  Owl, 

At^iii  ifllsDitiiii i/n. 


Ieii<>tli,  and  its  sides  and  belly  are  harred,  not  str<'ah'd, 
with  blackish.  It  docs  not  t'rociueiit  marshes,  but  lives  in 
swampy  thickets  or  dense  woods,  and 
makes  its  nest  in  the  abandoned  home 
of  "  Cri.w,  Hawk,  or  s(]nirrel.  It  is  a 
permanent  re  'i'^r  .  '  ;'um  ut  least  Massaehnsetts  south- 
ward. 

Of  our  four  aoU  '  *)wls,  the  Lon<ij-eared  has  rela- 

tively the  larii;est  and  nuns!  <  >nspieuous  "  ear  tufts,"  the 
Shoi't-eared  the  smallest,  while  in  the  (treat  Horned  Owl 
and  Screech  Owl  the  ears  are  of  about  the  same  proj)or- 
tionate  size.  The  (ireat  Horned  Owl,  however,  is  fomid 
o\\\y  in  the  wilder,  more  heavily  wooded  parts  of  the  coun- 
try, and  is  hardly  to  be  included  in  a  list  of  our  conunon 
birds.  It  is  the  lari;est  of  our  resident  Owls,  the  males 
measurinjj;  twenty-two  inches  in  length,  while  its  "ear- 
tufts  "  are  nearly  two  inches  lon<^. 

The  Screech  Owl  is  doubtless  the  commonest  of  our 
Owls,  as  it  is  also  the  most  familiar,  nestinj^  about  and 

Screech  Owl,  •^^'^''^  "^  O"**  I'ouses  when  some  favor- 
M,iiasci>pK(i^io.        able  hole  oifers.     It  has  little  to  say  iar 

fuzzy  Owlets  is  safely  launched  into  the  world ;  then,  in 
July  or  Aufi;u8t,  we  may  hear  its  melancholy  voice— not 
a  "screech,"  but  a  trenmlous,  wailinjij  whistle.  It  has 
several  other  notes  difficult  to  describe,  and  when  alarmed 
defiantly  snaps  its  bill. 

Some  Screech  Owls  are  gray,  others  bright  reddish 
brown,  and  tliese  extremes  are  connected  by  sj^ecimens 
intermediate  in  color.  This  difference  in  color  is  not  due 
to  age,  sex,  or  season,  and  is  termed  dichromatism,  or 
the  presence  in  the  same  species  of  two  phases  of  color. 
The  same  phenomenon  is  shown  by  otlier  birds,  notably 
certain  Herons,  and  among  mannuals  by  the  gray  s(piir- 
rel,  some  individuals  of  which  are  black.     The  observa- 


^^ 


^m- 


color. 
otiibly 
s(juir- 
Userva- 


.^4*.*^' 


*- 


.#'■ 


.:»>.^.;  -r- 


,i.*s.-,:#i 


I 
If 


i 


l\i> 


I  »V.'  i  .s 


I '  a;,;  -.'.iM  0  .,  i 


II     -li     1 


|ti;il. 


'I    '     1    'V        :  f       • 


1  I 


I 


(  r       1, 


I 


I  li 


••;:''    h  ii 


,t■■!^    .  I 


....       .  !, 


II'.  ,■  i,        tin   : 

'_.'-.  '  .■"  In  '     '    •  -,    . 


I 


*■  t 


)  ,■. 


I 


m: 


I' 


Plats  XXXVIII.  Paok  134. 

BOBOLINK. 

LiMi^jtli,  7-'2ii  iiich<>s.     A/(i/i\  in  suniiihr,  iia|i(>  Imfl';  sbouldcrs  and  runii) 

whitisli;    crown  ami  under  parts   lilack.       Female,  yoiiiii;,   aiui  male  in 

■niiiiti-r,   si)ai'ro\vliko ;  upper  parts  bla"k,  Ijrownisli,  and   huffy ;    under 

parts  yellowish  white. 


^ 


»» 


nARIlKI)  OWL. 


Ill 


tion«  of  Dr.  A.  P.  ('luulbourno  apparently  sliow  tliat  tlio 
Scrt'ccli  Owl  limy  pass  from  oiio  pliaHo  to  another  without 
chaiiji;o  of  phi  mage.* 

Wo  do  not  think  of  Owls  as  Iteinjij  insocrtivorous  hirdrt, 
but  Dr.  A.  K.  Kinher  tellH  uh  that  of  225  Screech  Owls' 
stomachrt  examined,  lOO  contained  insects.  As  !>l  of  tlio 
remaining";  125  contained  mice,  and  poultry  was  found 
in  oidy  one  Htomaeh,  the  fanner  may  well  consider  tho 
Screech  Owl  a  bird  of  good  repute  ri'tlier  than  of  ill 
omen. 

Next  to  the  Screech  Owl  tho  Harrod  Owl  is  doubtless 
our  most  common  representative  of  this  family,  but  its 

Barred  Owl  fondness  for  deep  woods  prevents  its 

Syvniitn,  iiihiiiusitm.    beiufjf  kiiowu  to  many  who  recognize  tho 

iMiitu  xxi.  Screech  Owl's  mournful  song. 

In  both  voice  and  appearance  the  Harred  Owl  seeing 
the  most  human  of  our  Owls.  Its  cull  is  a  deep-voiced 
(piestion ing  v^hbii-wh oo-whoo,  tcli ii- inh oo,  to- wh od-ith, 
which  may  be  heard  at  a  distance  of  half  a  mile.  It 
echoes  through  the  woods  at  night  with  startling  force, 
and  the  stories  told  of  its  effect  on  persons  who  were 
ignorant  of  its  source  are  doubtless  not  without  foun- 
dation. 

Other  calls  are  a  long-drawn  v^hd-d-d-tl-flh,  and  rarely 
a  thrilling,  Aveird  shriek.  When  two  or  more  Owls  are 
together,  they  sometimes  join  in  a  most  singular  concerted 
performance.  One  utters  abotit  ten  rapid  hoots,  while 
the  other,  in  a  slightly  higher  tone,  hoots  about  half  as 
fast,  both  birds  ending  together  with  a  tvhdd-ah.  At 
other  times  they  ni  v  hoot  and  laugh  in  a  most  remark- 
able and  quite  indescribable  manner. 

The  Barred  Owl  feeds  largely  on  mice,  and  46  of  100 
stomachs  examined  contained  remains  of  these  rodents. 


*  The  Auk  (New  York  city),  xiii,  1896,  p.  321 ;  xiv,  1897,  p.  33. 


w- 


112 


CUCKOOS. 


It  is  generally  resident  throughout  its  range,  and  in 
jMart'h  makes  its  nest,  selecting  for  a  site  a  hollow  tree, 
or  the  deserted  home  of  a  Crow  or  Hawk.  Two  to  four 
eggs  are  laid,  which,  like  the  eggs  of  all  Owls,  are  pure 
white. 


.(', 


■i.  ! 


tm  !' 


CUCKOOS,  KINGFISHERS,  ETC.     (ORDER  COCCYGES). 

Cuckoos.    (Family  Cuculid^.) 

All  Cuckoos  have  two  toes  directed  forward  and  two 
backward,  hut  the  eanse  or  use  of  this  character  it  is  dif- 
ficult to  understand,  so  widely  do  the  niend)ers  of  this 
family  differ  in  hal)it.  Some  are  arboreal,  never  visiting 
the  earth,  while  others  are  terrestrial,  running  with  great 
swiftness,  and  rarely  perching  far  above  the  ground. 

Most  Cuckoos — all  our  thirty-five  American  species — 
have  noticeably  long  tails,  which  they  raise  and  droop 
slowly  just  after  alighting,  or  when  their  curiosity  is 
aroused. 

Of  the  one  hundred  and  seventy -five  known  species, 

only  two  are  found  in  the  northeastern  States — the  Yel- 

,.•„  :.  «   1        billed   and  the    Black-billed    Cuckoos. 
.  ellow-biUed  Cuckoo, 

(orr>/.r>is<iw,rn-ai,'r..  Thc  fomier  IS  generally  the  more  com- 
iMato  XXII.  nion.  ft  is  a  retiring  bird,  and  you 
will  doubtless  be  first  attracted  to  it  by  its  notes.  It  does 
not  perch  in  an  exposed  position,  nor  make  long  fiights, 
])ut  usually  flies  from  the  shelter  of  one  tree  directly  into 
the  protecting  foliage  of  another.  If  you  catch  a  glimpse 
of  it  in  passing,  its  long  tail  and  brownish  color  will 
susijest  a  Dove. 

Cuckoos  are  mysterious  birds  well  Avorth  watchijig. 
I  would  not  im]dy  that  their  deeds  are  evil ;  on  the  con- 
trary, they  are  exceedingly  beneficial  birds.  One  of 
their  favorite  -^'oods  is  the  tent  caterpillar  which  sj)ins  the 


and  in 
ow  tree, 
)  to  four 
are  pure 


lYGES). 


and  two 
it  is  dif- 
)  of  this 
•  visitinjiij 
itli  great 
ind. 

species — 
id  droop 
iosity   is 

\  si)Ct*ies, 
the  Ycl- 

hickoos. 
>re  c'om- 

ind  you 
It  does 
<j  tiiglits, 

•tly  into 

glimpse 
olor  will 

atchiiig. 
the  con- 
One   of 
s])ins  the 


•! 


< 


I 


Plate  XXXIX.  Page  136. 

MEADOWLARK. 

Lonsth,  l()'7r)  inches.  Upper  parts  black,  hnnvii,  and  bufT;  undor  parts 
y(>ll()\v,  a  black  crcwccnl  on  the  breast,  sides  streaked  witli  black  ;  oinm- 
tail-feathers  white. 


z 


I 


KINCJKISIIKUS. 


113 


(loKtnictivc  "woniiK'  noKts"  in  our  fruit  imd  kIkuIo  trccH. 
IikUhhI,  \v(!  KJioiild  l»c  very  jiincli  l)et,tor  off  if  (JiK'i<(i()H 
wore  more  mimerouH.  NovcirtlioieHs,  there  is  Konietliiii^ 
about  tlio  ('Ucjkoo^H  uctions  wliicli  iiIvviiyH  KUfj^j^estH  to  me 
tliiit  lie  either  htw  juKt  done,  or  in  ahout  to  d(»,  Kometiiiii^ 
he  shouhliTt. 

The  V('IIo\v'-])ilU!(l  Cuckoo's  call  hci^iiis  with  a  series 
of  tiit-tiil.s  or  c/.-i/c/,:s,  and  ends  with  a  loud  rovJ,  ro-w,  roin, 
('<ni\  c(ni\  foir.  These  notes  are  so  utdikt;  those;  of  any 
other  of  our  hirds,  except  those  of  the  Mlack-hilhid 
('u(^koo,  tliat  they  will  readily  he  reco<rnized. 

The  I51ack-I»illed  Cuckoo  resom])k's  tlie  Vellow-hiil, 
hut  has  the  hill  wliolly  hiack,  tht!  skin  ahout  the  eye  I'cd, 
Black-billed  Cuckoo,  'i'"'  ^^'^  tail-feathers  witli  only  small, 
r,,rci/.:ii.i  inconspicuous  whitish   tips.      It   resem- 

.vyiiu:,phih<,h:n,..   i,|^.^  ||n,    V(,|l„vv-hil I   ill    liahlts,  hut,  as 

Mr.  IJrewster  tells  me,  its  ^/// and  r/^/r/' notes  are  softer, 
and  the  min-cDin  n(»tes  are  connected. 

iJoth  our  (hickoos  are  mijjratorv,  wintiinnii:  in  ('en- 
tral  and  South  America.  They  return  to  us  ahout  IMay 
T),  and  remain  until  October.  Their  nests  are  carelessly 
made  platforms  of  sticks  with  a  few  catkins  added  as  a 
lining:;,  and  a;-'',  usually  [)lace(l  in  taiiirles  of  vine-covered 
hushes,  or  the  lower  limbs  of  trees.  1'lie  ej;<ijs,  three  to 
live  in  number,  are  pale,  fz;roenish  blue,  those  of  the 
I31aek-hill  beiiiir  sliirhtlv  smaller  in  size  and  darker  in 
color  than  those  of  its  yellow-billed  cousin. 


H 
1 


KimJFiHHKRs.     (Family  Aloedinio^T!;.) 


Of  the  one  hui'.dred  and  eighty  known   Kingtishers, 

only  eij^ht  are  inhabitants  of  tlie  New  AVorld,  the  head- 

(juarters  of  the  family  being  in  the  East  Indies.     The  New 

\V(H'ld  species  are  mostly  tropical,  and  liut  one  ol  the  eight 

reaches  the  eastern  United  States.     This  is  our  connnon 
17 


i'J 


Mill 


114 


WOODPECKERS. 


Belted  Kin<j;fi!slier,  fainiliar  by  voice  and  appearance  to 
every  one  who  lives  near  a  river  or  pond.     He  comes 

Belted  Kingfisher,      >"   ^P"J»   ^^'^'^n  the  ice   no  h)noer  cov- 

t\ryieaici/on.        ers   his   lumtliig  ,<>;round,  and   reniaina 

Plato  XXlil.        until  Novendier;   or,  if  the  season  he 

exceptionally  mild,  he  scunetimes   stays  for  the  winter 

fishing.     His  nest  is  Imilt  in  a  hole  in  a  hank,  where, 

early  in  ]V[ay,  his  mate  lays  from  live  to  eight  white 


eggs. 


The  Kingfisher  is  generally  branded  a  tish  thief  and 
accounted  a  fair  mark  for  every  man  with  a  gun,  and, 
were  it  not  for  liis  discretion  in  judging  distances  and 
knowing  just  when  to  fiy,  he  would  long  ago  have  disap- 
])eared  from  the  haunts  of  man.  "We  might  now  be  a 
few  fish  richer,  but  would  they  repay  us  for  the  loss  of 
this  genius  of  wooded  shores  ? 


[(  'I 


;■   f- 


'"•';! 


I<  ■[ 


WOODPECKERS  AND  WRYNECKS.     (ORDER  I'lCI) 

Woodpeckers.     (i'..MiL^'  Pi  "id^.) 

The  tliree  hundred  aa*]  fifty  ki own  sj.  cies  of  Wood- 
peckers are  represented  in  all  thu  wooded  parts  of  the 
world  except  the  Australian  region  and  Madagascar. 
Nearly  one  half  this  number  are  found  in  the  JSew 
World,  and  of  these  twenty -five  occur  in  North  America. 

Few  birds  seem  better  adapted  to  their  mode  of  life 
than  Woodpe(!ker8,  the  structure  of  their  bill,  tongue, 
tail,  and  feet  being  adnnrably  suiteil  to  their  needs. 

The  lu^tes  of  Woodpeckers  can  not  l)e  termed  musical, 
and  their  chief  coiitribution  to  the  springtime  chorus  is  a 
rolling  tattoo  which  resemliles  the  l'-r-)'-r-v!)i<j  call  of  the 
tree  f  n  gs.  The  feathered  drummer  selects  a  resonant 
limb  and  pounds  out  his  song  with  a  series  of  strokes  de- 


i    ' 


S\ 


;  ( 


)f  the 


:i;X'*  '•  *  :-'■:,  ^ 


1>::-  -  ■ 


#       "^ 


■■^: 


V.  ,  9,.t'Vy-.t,'3»:i»- 


\ 


»•.; 


inerica. 

of  life 

tongue, 


,»? 


^*)l 

i 


n 


r 


'i  J 


m  'i; 


ft 


'    '.'  I     '  '  '  i\  'MN. 


'.'  !l'l. 


•vl 


I    , 


,- 1'< 


( 


r 


'i      I;-!     '\  Hl'jV   -'l    >■ 


H'  I    '.   K.t^ 


;  1 ,'  I '.  .'     ' !  ,       ,  ■  111  I-     ;i  C  1       1  j  '1  I-    1"'  :ii  1  ■     1 1> 
111:!'      I     '■;■•,      .  '1      ; "     I'  !  'I        I      li  ,1  -■ 


1 


u 


'■•a 


-A-.^', 


3 


I 


Ernest  Setoh  T^omKson. 


Plate  XL.  Paoe  l:t7. 

COWBUW. 

Lni^tli.  7  'M)  iiiclics.  .I//?/,',  liciid  find  iii'ck  all  ju'omiil  dark  collVc-lirown  ; 
it'st  ol' |ihiiiia}^t' filossv  <jr'c('nish  black,  lunuilc.  dirty  lirowiiisli  irray; 
throat  whitish. 


1 


1 


WOODPECKERS. 


115 


livered  so  quickly  that  his  head  becomes  a  series  of  mazy 
heads. 

Watch  the  Downy  Woodpecker,  our  coniinonest 
species,  while  he  is  engaged  in  this  surprising  perforin- 

Downy  Woodpecker,    ""^'^-    How  he  seems  to  enjoy  it  I    His 

DryubatLx  2>ubtsc<:ns      wliole  appearance  is  martial  and  deii- 

mcdiantis.  j^nf,     Jt  is  liis  challenge  to  the  Wood- 
Plato  XXIV.  ,  ,  ,         .  ,,,        '^  ,        11111 
pecker  world.     After  each  roll  he  looks 

proudly  about  him  and  ])erhaps  utters  his  call-note,  a 
h\iiiv\\  jxelc, peel;  which  suggests  the  sound  produced  by 
a  marble  cutter's  chisel.  More  rarely  this  call  is  pro- 
longed into  a  coiniected  series,  when  one  can  readily 
imagine  that  the  quarrier  has  dropped  his  tool. 

The  Downy  is  a  hardy  bird  and  is  with  us  throughout 
the  year.  In  the  winter  he  forms  a  partnership  with  the 
Chickadee  and  Nuthatch,  and  if  the  good  this  trio  does 
could  be  expressed  in  iigures,  these  neglected  friends  of 
ours  might  receive  some  small  part  of  the  credit  due 
them.  Who  can  estimate  the  enormous  numbers  of  in- 
sects' eggs  and  larvae  which  these  patient  explorers  of 
trunk  and  twig  destroy  ? 

The  Downy,  as  well  as  some  other  Woodpeckers,  be- 
lieves in  the  comfort  of  a  home.  He  will  not  pass  cold, 
wintrv  nio-hts  clinoinii'  t  >  the  leeward  side  of  a  tree  when 
by  the  use  of  his  chisel-bill  he  can  hollow  a  snug  chamber 
in  its  heart.  80,  in  the  fall,  we  may  sometimes  find  him 
pre])aring  his  winter  quarters.  His  nest  is  constructed 
in  the  same  manner,  and  his  eggs,  like  those  of  all  Wood- 
peckers, are  glossy  white. 

The  Hairy  Woodpecker,  the  Downy's  big  cousin,  is 

not  quite    so  commcm    as   his   smaller 
Hairy  Woodpecker,     ,.^1^^^^,,^,      tj^^  ^^^^  ^^j^.^^  ^^,^  jj^,^,.|    ^^^^^ 

in  color,  and  differ  only  m  the  mark- 
ings of  the  outer  tail-feathers.  In  the  Downy  these  are 
white,  barred  with  black ;  iu  the  Hairy,  white  without 


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116 


WOODPECKERS. 


black  bars.  Tho  caso  is  intorestiiij;^,  and  shows  liow  nearly 
alike  in  color  distinct  species  may  be.  In  size,  however, 
the  diiTerence  is  more  noticeable,  the  Hairy  belnj^  nearly 
three  inches  the  Ioii<ri>r. 

In  life  the  Hairy  is  a  somewhat  shier  bird,  fonder  of 
the  forest  than  of  the  orchard.  His  ^yr<'/r  note  is  louder 
and  shar})er  than  that  of  the  Downy,  and  his  rattling  call 
suggests  that  of  the  Kingfisher. 

Tlie   gayly   colored    licd-headed    AVoodpccker   is  as 

erratic  in  his  goings  and  comings  as  he  is  striking  in 

„  ,,     ,  ,  di'css.     In  the  northeastern  States  he  is 

Eed-headed  .  i  -i!       n 

Woodpecker,   ''^''""y  common  m  sunnner,  and  it  well 

Mdanerpea  supplied   with   beechiiuts,  may  remain 

<"•!/""■»<■< /''"'/"■-■■  during  the   winter.     Some    years  the 

Plat.  XXV.  ."  1-    1       " 

grayish  headed  young  l)ir.|s  are  excep- 
tionally abundant  in  the  fall,  but  their  white  wing-jiatch- 
cs,  which  show  so  conspicuously  when  tlnv  fly,  and  their 
loud,  rolling  call  of  h'r-r-i'ucl-,  hr-r-riick,  are  unmistak- 
able marks  of  identity. 

The  most  interesting  of  our  Woodpeckers  is  the 
Flicker,   oi    High-hole,   whose  popularity  is  attested  by 

Flicker  ■''^^  '^^^  ^^  ^^*^'  ^*^''**^  thnu  thirty  odd  com- 

Cohijitisaiinitu^.  mon  names.  Surely  here  is  an  instance 
PiiitoXXVi.  illustrating  the  necessity  of  (me  sci- 
entific term  by  which  the  "  Picpiebois  jaune  "  of  Louisi- 
ana may  be  recognized  as  the  "Clape"  of  Kew  York. 
He  is  also  a  Yueker,  a  Flicker,  and  a  Yellow-ham- 
mer ;  all  these  names  being  based  on  his  notes  or  plu- 


mage. 


The  Flicker  is  less  of  a  carpenter  than  are  others  of 
his  family,  and  generally  selects  decayed  logs  and  stumps 
as  his  hunting  grounds.  Here  he  hunts  for  his  favorite 
food  of  ants,  which  he  also  procures  at  their  holes  and 
iiumnds.  This  is  the  reason  we  so  often  flush  tlu;  Flicker 
from  the  ground,  and,  if  we  mark  the  spot  from  which  he 


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(716)  •73.4503 


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black  itars.    The  <'fV«(-  5s  iuforcstini;,  and  .slic-ws  Ikow  nf-nrfv    ; 
alike  ii)  {'oV-v  ^VuUuct  s]hv>w  iritiv  in-.      In  «/•■,  lniW(n<jr, 
the  diiTeronc*-  is  im>n-  :'.;*if'  able,  tlic  lliiiry  Ih-u;;::   ui'iirlv 
thret;  iuc-liAs  the  ;fii!ge!-. 

In  life  the  llaJu'V  is  a  s<nu«»\vbat  fthier   bin!,  fi-inler  of   \ 
(bsi   b-rf.'.-!    tlv.ili   I'f   th';  i>r<h-»r(i.      His  y^-vX"  inittn'.-   Imiih.'r 
!'ji<l  '•L'.'irj.cr  f'i  Ml  tbal  <•*  ■!i«'  n»''.»ii_\.  ainl  his  rattlim;'  '"ill 

SilirU'i^-^ts  th:it    ii(    T.i'i;    Ki'.^ijHi)!  i". 

The   ;.ra\iv     ■( './-r.;     };".n'-*'i^tb-<!    W.'fulpwkev    i.-    ma 

crruiii-   i:i    bi.-.  la-n.-:     >*:d    '-i     irigs  an  iic   Ih  strikiiitr  i'l 

ij'.  -s.     In  :  ••!    m  1 :  bc'MsU'rn  Stutt  ~  lie  is 

Woodpe'.fe*«r,    ■•■  ■•■^  '"Ji!""-  i'l  i^nim.ior,  and  it  v,v!l 

.lfj.;-,>i,':i                   '■■  ,:  .'.  i    wirli    It* 'iN-limUs,  utay   rciuiiiii 

"•<'""•'"■■/''"'  '    .;.;    ,:■  t!'..'    \\!n!»;-r.     Some    vchin    fh-. 

-   .    •  '  t<".diM,  V'lmi^  iMr.s  are  ('.\<f])- 

'    '   «  .  i'iii  liu'ir  wliite  wiiiff  !tftt/'l: 


» 


tl;>!i:il!;.   MbuU'li' 

<"-•,  will  'b  slii'iu 

liti;-!,  vulbn^' ( ft''  -it   ».•.         ..',■'     -  •.'•• 

;i!i!i'  in.'i)'ics  ui  idiJiib 

Tbi,'     iVKV*      );■,(, Tf-fi!-,-.. 

i'!i>  ki.v.   i.r    llii^]!- ii.'li-, 

rucker.  ■  ^''^^  ''^      '     • 

^■■^'•'Wi.         illnstranu^    ■■ 
eiitdii'  i.'M'i.i  by  wbieb   tbc  "*  •'!;".■ 
itii.n    T.i-.t.Y  }>t'    >•■••■. ,^ni/("-|    !->s    tb*'     ' 
lit.'    !>•■    ;\l,Mt  a    Vii.  a-r,    a    Flifk.'!'     »■.'!    a    ^  idli.w  bai-i 
uici- :  all   ihtff"  iiaiiifs   iioiiii;   baKci   i.ii   hi.-,  r>.ott;s  >.>;■  {»lu 

The  Flicker  is  Ios«  of  n  curpeiibT  than  arc  .('tb'M>  of 
Ids  fatidh,  and  ireiK'i'.'dly  ndcA-ts  diieavcd  Ioj^.-a  and  stiinip? 
.!s  ]iis  iMir.riii!^  trfoiind-.  Ifere  bj-  hTnifs  lor  bis  favorite 
b>(ivl  of  allt.■^,  wliit'Ii  b<;  al.-'  j>rfi"uri  >  at  iJirir  b-slc- ^uid 
inouitd.-.  TlM-^  1?-  tlir  rt»;i.ii-!i  n<'  so  cfica  lir.sl:  fhc  I'lickfr 
fnitu  t;v.^  i^roii.'id- and,  u'  Wv.  mark  Uio  spo!  (i'Oin  whirli  In- 


•«V'  ^difii   tti.  y  fly,  and  tia-'il' 
,- '    ■;  r  r  ,■■'  -i\  'iro  rinrjii.'tak- 


H  •,>'^p»  ■  kfirs    is    flic 

;'•*•■;!  V    •■■    attc.stl'd    by 

•  ■■  .   ibirty  cxid  <'oi!i 

•(■;(:  [:•  ail   illKlalKi.' 

r   — -.'v    (.f    *.uc'    «('r 

.^^      'V!i!l«'  "'    l.d     i-(/tli>-i- 
^:-'.:.t'.  "    'it"     \»>W    ^   'irk. 


IS    tiu; 

■'1  '".y 

CvMU- 
■SUIKU 

•iiisi- 
■irk. 
.iia- 
ulti 

..-,  of 

•rite 

.ov\ 

si'-li  lie 


Plate  XLI.  Page  138. 

SONG  SPARROW. 
Loii^th,  6-25  iriehos.     Upper  i)arts  du'stmit,   gmy,  and  black;  undor 
j)aits  whlto,  streaked  with    chestnut  and   bhick;    outer  tail-featliers 
sliortost. 


GOATSUCKERS. 


117 


rises,  the  probabilities  are  that  we  sliall  find  there  a  rnuch- 
dieturbed  community  of  ants. 

Professor  Beal  has  shown  that  nearly  one  half  of  the 
Flicker's  food  consists  of  ants.  He  further  tells  us  that 
as  ants  aid  in  the  increase  of  the  plant  lice  so  injurious 
to  vegetation,  the  birds  which  feed  on  ants  are  therefore 
the  friends  of  the  agriculturist. 

The  Flicker's  most  prominent  marks,  as  with  a  low 
chuckle  he  bounds  up  before  you,  are  his  white  rump 
patch  and  his  wings,  which  show  yellow  in  flight.  His 
notes  are  equally  characteristic.  The  most  common  is  a 
loud,  vigorous  Tcee-yer,  apparently  a  signal  or  salute.  In 
the  spring,  and  occasionally  in  the  fall,  he  utters  a  pleas- 
ing, rather  dreamy  cuh-cit,h-ctih-euh,  many  times  repeated. 
When  two  or  more  birds  are  together,  and  in  my  ex- 
perience only  then,  they  address  each  other  with  a 
singular  weechew,  weeeheio,  weechew,  a  sound  which  can 
be  imitated  by  the  swishing  of  a  willow  wand.  Much 
ceremony  evideatly  prevails  in  the  Flicker  family,  and 
on  these  occasions  there  is  more  bowing  and  scraping 
than  one  often  sees  outside  of  Spain. 


GOATSUCKERS,  SWIFTS,  AXD  HUMMINGBIRDS. 
(ORDER  MACROCHIRES.) 

NiGHTHAWKS  AND  WhIP-POOR-WILLS. 

(Family  Caprimulqid^.) 

In  this  family  the  mouth  of  birds  reaches  its  greatest 
development,  while  the  bill  proper  is  correspondingly 
small,  bearing  much  the  same  relation  to  the  mouth  that 
a  clasp  does  to  a  purse.  These  birds  feed  at  night  upon 
insects  which  they  catch  on  the  wing,  and  their  enormous 
gape  is  obAnously  of  great  assistance  in  this  mode  of  feed- 
ing.    Often  the  sides  of  the  mouth  are  beset  with  long 


! 


118 


NIGHTHAWK. 


bristles,  wliich  doubtless  act  like  the  wings  to  a  fish-net, 
steering  unfortunate  insects  down  the  bird's  cavernous 
throat. 

The  Nighthawk,  or  Bull-bat,  as  he  is  called  in  the 
South,  is  familiar  to  most  persons  who  have  the  gift  of 

N'  hth    k  seeing  birds,  but — in  the  northeastern 

ChordeiUs  States,  at  least — he  is  usually  confused 

vinjiiiiainis.  -^vith  tlio  "VVliip-poor-will,  and  little  is 

Plato  \XVIi.  1  PI-  11  . 

known  ot  his  real  character. 

The  Nighthawk  is  a  bird  of  the  sky.  lie  passes  the 
day  perched  motionless  on  a  limb  in  wooded  regions,  on 
the  ground  in  treeless  regions,  or  even  on  a  house  top, 
when,  as  sometimes  hapjiens,  he  makes  his  home  in  a  city. 
Probably  he  will  not  change  his  perch  during  the  day, 
but  as  night  appro.aches  and  his  day  begins,  he  will 
spread  his  long  wings  and  fly  away  heavenward  to 
course  far  above  the  earth  in  his  search  for  insect 
food. 

The  Nighthawk,  unlike  most  members  of  its  family, 
has  limited  vocal  powers,  its  only  note  being  a  loud,  nasal 
pee)it  uttered  as  it  flies.  But  it  has  nmsical  talents  in 
another  direction.  Son^.etimes  in  May  or  June,  if  you 
happen  to  be  where  Nighthawks  are  found — for  they  are 
rather  local  in  distribution  when  nesting — you  may  hear 
a  strange  booming,  rushing  sound ;  you  will  vainly  seek 
its  cause  until  y<ni  chance  to  see  a  Nighthawk  with  set 
wings  diving  earthward  from  the  sky.  It  is  a  reckless 
performance,  and  you  may  suppose  the  bird's  object  is 
suicidal,  but,  when  within  a  few  yards  of  the  earth,  it 
will  turn  suddenly  upward.  At  this  moment  you  will 
hear  the  loud,  humming  sound,  doubtless  made  by  the 
air  passing  through  the  bird's  stiffened  wing-quills. 

Nighthawks,  being  insect-catchers,  are  of  course 
highly  migratory.  They  come  to  us  early  in  May,  and 
return  to  their  winter  quarters  in  South  America  in  Oc- 


.     *     i^     *  d'i 


^ 


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.  li    (i  Wlf !i  i-iii'r-.UHll-i.r-   ''^r       '■ 


1 1^ 


M'ilfTnAWK. 


N-gbthawk, 


[(risfits,  Vvltii'h  ^ioiil'ili'.--  ;irt  liki'  llio  \viii;^vi  :<>  a  j'^li  net, 
.■;(''<'ii!i>r  iiiii\irHiM;\tt:  Lif^."'!.-.  il<t".\ii  *''»■  !'i!('V  (•;'.v<•nu>l^^. 
tiir.i.it. 

'i'lii'    N  i;:iil!ri>vL.    .<r    liiiM  I'.rf,  ;..-,   j'.i     in  calli'il    in    tit 
S<iUin>  i-  lanilil.'i''' Iw    lUii   1     (mMv./Ii-    w1)'>    ii;tvr    fllr   '^IM   <it' 

.I'^'iii;::   1     lis    liMi      in   'I'l'  ;i()rt-!.c;t.-.l('r;t 

'■•l.l'i'.-s  Ul     'i    '.'t  -     III'    i;     !|  •dill 'V  co'l  fllr't'il 

■    '■      "•■     wil'i   tin'    'A '.iji.pwM   s>  ill.  ,ii,'i    liriit*  '..-. 

'i'lii-   \::.''if '';i\vk    [sir.  ';)■•.     ''"   Tin    .-!>  V        'i*'  [la-.Hi"';  llif; 

■  ;  t  ■  ; '■! I  II-' I  lii.'fi' i:i !•  s,-'  ••;!  'M.i!/  m  '.■,..•  ;i ii '  i  ••'^ii'ii.-,  (-n 
'ii.  ;;-n. ,.!•:!  i'  !  r>-'i.'!«--.  ",.  .ii.c!  •  ■  i  ii  uu  ,,  li.  i1,;H''1  "('. 
\v  ic '!,  ji-  -I  ■wH'Miif'^  ii",i  •<  '  ■  !i''  r.,i!,i">  lii.s  Im'IM  inririrs. 
Pi'./ii.i'.' .     !r,     \'-'!!   iluf    ■'■';. 1     Si.s    ;■•  I'  1\    i.illlii:.;     lii''    <!ii.V. 

■  t\\i  a-    •'.■•.r'jt    .•\j>]ti"ii:r ''•.!■   .Uit.l    l;i.-i     luy    hcLni'^.    !"■    H'iil 

•*i,ri'H|        ^!^        |.ll,.r        M  :  •)•.«-..        ihlf       llv       ll..i>\        ll<  .I'.'',   I'W,-]  j<l       f.) 


> 


■■''.\    ".»•        ■•  .,!.:  ;;  i^!i<i.  ;u"^;i! 
ii     '    (i;  -    ;i.n  i-.-  l1    <  tlt'lii  i   in 


1 1  ti'fi  i 

ii.i-    in;, ltd    '  •■•'•a!   r-<'\  •  '  - 

!i'i  •;!)'!    liii !■(  : >i  ',!       S.,i,'>  ' ;> 

i;i.I'i'''i'  !•>  !'<•    '  ■'*'"'     "■•>  114!'"'     I 

ratii;-    l>>',i!  -u    li'-t ; 'I'mio!;   \:    1,1    m     .    ■.        ,  >a  !■    is    '''"t 

:;   -ij.t  :;_'•    l.^-.aiiitiL:".     '.i' 'iiJ;:^    •- M:;!ii      \'>[.   wi'l  \ai;''\     <  rU 


'1  !i  V' 


IIU',   if     V<'!! 


i'-'-  i-'A.  "  n  1'  .1    \  111 


i,i  if.     ♦',  -K'    ;;     \;i:'i,!:;M\k  wiili  M'f 
wiinr-    ''i>  Ml-,    ^^l;•:!,^■•  c-.i    {:\ir)    t\-''    -kv.       !t    i-^   a  n.'('Mi'.-:K 

JU'l'f'H-if!  !;;   ■•■.    ,;n.|     voU     rs)!)_S     --iljipu-'     M;'       'lil'ils     ^"iljt.'r     ..-^ 

-•;i'-ii' il.  !('!!.   wli'ii    wiiliin     .    I'nw   ».;.ii|^  :)f  till-  rarti;,  i; 
•.»i'l    'i-rii    ,>nil;.M  1;' >    n:i\var'i.'     A:    thw    M-.iiinnl    vi.u   Wil! 

:•;•   j.,i-.-ir'.:  |-lii-'.:ii.rh    flu-  liiP'!"  ■     ;■  i><'iM',i  Arimr-'iilil'f'. 

**       *\  i,;lil  1n.'^  Iw         '>l';'i/      i):    i  ■  1  -     U'  iiers,     iU'i        (-■{■       O'-i.i''- 

"ij'-t  !v    '  ,!•/<-. \>, , \-\ ,       '"iiiv  rail'-   *•!   us  I'liiiv  il!    MuA ,  aia! 
■■.•M!,-n   :.>  tJiL-ii'  wliifi  r  ..uai'ior.-    in  Sutii.'i    Aincrii ;'.  a.. ' ''.'- 


*  1 1  y 

■'■■■\v 

I 

.i    will 


Plate  XLII.  Page  139. 

SWAMP  SPARROW. 

Length,  5 •90  inehos.  Summer  />/umagc;  crown  bright  ch(>stmit;  back 
bhick,  brown,  and  buff;  breast  grayish;  belly  white;  sides  brownish. 
Winter  plumage,  similar,  but  crown  streaked  with  chestnut-brown,  black, 
and  gray. 


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CHIMNEY  SWIFT. 


110 


tober.  During  the  fall  migrations  they  often  gather  in 
flocks  of  several  hundred,  and  as  they  sail  about  you 
may  notice  their  best  iield  mark,  a  white  spot  in  each 
wing.  Nighthawks  lay  two  elliptical,  mottled  eggs  on 
the  bare  ground  or  a  flat  rock  in  open  fields,  and,  rarely, 
on  a  house  top  in  the  city. 

We  see  the  Nighthawk  and  hear  the  Whip-poor-will ; 

one  reason  perhaps  why  the  birds  are  so  often  confused. 

Whip-poor-will,       While  the  Nighthawk  is  darting  through 

AntruHomiisvodferm.  the  sky,  the  Whip-poor-will  is  perched 

I'luto  XXVII.  Qjj  Q^  j.Q^.j^  Qj.  fence  rail  below,  indus- 
triously whipping  out  a  succession  of  rapid  whip-poor- 
wills  interspersed  with  barely  audible  ch^wks.  When  the 
call  ceases,  the  bird  is  doubtless  coursing  low  through  the 
wooded  fields  and  glades  in  its  searcli  for  insects. 

During  the  day  the  Whip-poor-will  usually  rests  on 
the  ground  in  the  woods.  Here  also  the  eggs  are  laid, 
being  deposited  upon  the  leaves.  They  are  two  in  num- 
ber, dull  white,  with  delicate,  obscure  lilac  markings  and 
a  few  distinct  brownish  gray  spots. 

Whip-poor-wills  arrive  from  the  south  late  in  April, 
and  remain  with  us  until  October. 


Swifts.    (Family  Micropodid^.) 

Swifts  are  the  most  aerial  of  all  the  small  land  birds. 
Our  Chimney  Swift,  the  only  one  of  the  seventy-five 
Chimney  Swift  members  of  this  family  that  occurs  in 
eastern  North  America,  is  but  five  and 
a  half  inches  long,  while  its  spread 
wings  measure  twelve  and  a  half  inches  from  tip  to  tip. 
Its  feet  are  proportionately  small,  and  so  weak  that  the 
bird  can  rest  only  by  clinging  to  an  upright  surface. 
The  tail  is  then  used  as  a  prop,  its  spiny-tipped  feathers 
being  evidently  a  result  of  this  habit. 


Chatura  pelayica. 
Plate  XXVIIl. 


120 


lIUMMINdniUDH. 


Swifts  naturally  noHt  in  hollow  trees  or  caves,  and  it 
irt  only  ill  the  more  detiHely  populated  i)artH  of  their 
ranjfe  that  they  resort  to  ehinineys  and  outhuildinj^s. 
The  nest  of  our  Chinnicy  Swift  is  a  hraeketlike  haskot 
of  small  twills.  They  are  ^^ithered  by  the  bird  while 
on  the  wint?,  and  are  fastened  together  and  to  the  wall 
of  the  tree  or  chimney  with  a  s^lutinous  saliva. 

The  Chimney  Swift  arrives  from  the  south  about 
April  2<t,  and  remains  until  Oetober.  Few  birds  are 
better  known,  and  under  the  name  of  "Chimney  Swal- 
low" ho  is  familiar  to  every  one  who  distinguishes  a 
Crow  from  a  Robin.  But,  beyond  similar  feedinji;  habits. 
Swifts  have  little  in  common  with  Swallows ;  in  fact,  are 
more  nearly  related  to  Ilunnningbirds. 


I   I 


HrMMINOBlRDS.      (FAMILY   TR()(  HILIP^.) 

IIuMMiNo  BIRDS  aro  peculiar  to  the  New  World.  About 
five  hundred  species  are  known,  but  only  one  of  them  is 
Bubv-throated  found  east  of  the  Mississipiii.     This  is 

Hummingbird,  «"''  Hu by-throat,  the  sexes  of  which  aro 
rroc/iiiii/K-niiihri.-:  somotimcs  tliou^ujlit  to  represent  differ- 
I'lut..  XXIX.  ent  species.  The  Euby-throat  winters 
as  far  south  as  Central  vVmerica,  but  about  May  1  we 
may  expect  him  to  return  to  us,  for  he  ie  as  rofjjular  in 
his  miarrations  as  thouich  his  winars  measured  a  foot  and 
a  half  instead  of  an  inch  and  a  half  in  length.  If  you 
would  have  him  visit  you,  plant  honeysuckle  and  trum- 
pet flowers  about  your  piazza,  and  while  they  are  bloom- 
ing there  will  be  few  days  when  you  may  not  hear  the 
humming  of  this  tiny  bird's  rapidly  vibrating  wings. 

The  Ruby-throat  feeds  on  insects  as  well  as  on  the 
juices  of  flowers,  and  when  you  see  him  ])robing  a  corolla 
he  is  quite  as  likely  to  be  after  the  one  as  the  other.  The 
young  are  fed  by  regurgitation,  the  parent  bird  insert- 


Ht 


:*  ^a»  <V    amVjM  I 


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■SI    ^^  ,'!*j\V 
■    '  •■'Ulil    ;■-•!. I'-iii   M'M.,11  .-1.1    .  V  <^  I.;- 

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Plate  XLIII.  Page  140. 

FIELD  SPARROW. 

LciitjUi,    r)-70  iiiciios.     Upper  paits  Ijri^lit   reddish  brown  and  black; 

under  parts  grayish  white ;  bill  redilish  brown. 


^ 


I 


11 


^     IB 

I 


I 


»y 


FLYCATCHERS. 


121 


ing  its  bill  into  the  mouth  of  its  offspring  and  injecting 
food  as  though  from  a  syringe. 

Some  tropical  Hummingbirds  have  songs  worthy  the 
name,  but  the  notes  of  our  Ruby-throat  are  a  mere 
8queak,  somethiies  prolonged  into  a  twitter. 

Under  anv  circumstances  a  Hummingbird's  neet  ex- 
cites  admiration.  But  if  you  would  appreciate  its  fairylike 
beauty,  iind  one  wdiere  the  birds  have  placed  it,  probably 
on  the  horizontal  limb  of  a  birch.  Doubtless  it  will  be 
occupied  by  the  female,  for  it  seems  that  the  male  takes 
little  or  no  part  in  family  affairs  after  incubation  begins. 
As  far  as  known,  all  Hummingbirds  lay  two  white  eggs 
— frail,  pearly  ellipses,  that  after  ten  days'  inculcation 
develop  into  a  tangle  of  tiny  dark  liirbs  and  bodies, 
which  no  one  would  think  of  calling  birds,  much  less 
"  winged  gems." 


PEBCHIXO  BIBDS.    (ORDER  FASSEBES.) 

Flycatchers.    (Family  Tyrannid^.) 

Doubtless,  every  order  of  birds  has  had  its  day  when, 
if  it  was  not  a  dominant  ty])e,  it  was  at  least  sufficiently 
near  it  to  be  considered  modern  ;  and  as  we  re^^ow  what 
is  known  to  us  of  that  great  series  of  feathered  forms, 
from  tlie  Archieoptcryx  to  the  Thrushes,  we  can  real- 
ize bow  varied  has  been  tlie  cjiaracteristic  avifauna  of 
each  succeeding  epoch  from  the  Jurassic  period  to  the 
present. 

Now  has  come  the  day  of  the  order  Passeren,  the 

Perching  Birds;  here  belong  our  Flycatchers,   Orioles, 

Jays,  SpaiTows  and  Finches,  Vireos,  Swallows,  Warblers, 

Wrens,  Thrushes,  and  many  others.     A  recent  authority 

classifies  birds  in  thirty-four  orders,  but  fully  one  half  of 
18 


m 


122 


KINGBIRD. 


the  thirteen  thousand  known  species  are  included  in  the 
single  order  /\(.'s:sere,s.  The  North  American  menil)er8 
of  this  order  are  so  alike  in  more  important  structural 
details  that  tliey  are  j)laced  in  but  two  suborders,  the 
suborder  Chinuitorcx,  containing  the  so-called  Songless 
Perching  IJirds,  and  the  suborder  Omunen,  containing  the 
Song  Birds.  The  Flycatchers  are  the  only  members  of 
the  suborder  Cla)iuitot'e.s  in  Eastern  North  America. 
They  differ  from  the  0.sclneii,  or  true  Song  Birds,  in 
always  having  ten  fully  developed  primaries,  in  having 
the  tarsus  rounded  behind  as  well  as  in  front,  and  chiefly 
in  the  anatomy  of  the  syrinx,  or  voice-producing  organ. 
In  the  Oselnes  this  possesses  four  '>r  five  distinct  pairs  of 
intrinsic  muscles,  wliile  in  tlie  Claiaatores  it  has  less  than 
four  pairs  of  muscles,  and  is  not  so  highly  developed. 

Flycatcliers  are  the  Hawks  of  the  insect  world.  Their 
position  when  resting  is  erect,  and  they  are  constantly  on 
the  watch  for  their  prey,  Avliich  is  captured  on  the  wing, 
Avith  a  dexterity  Hawks  may  well  envy.  The  bill  is 
broad  and  flat  and  the  gape  large,  as  in  other  fly -catching 
birds.  After  darting  for  an  insect,  as  a  rule,  they  i-eturn 
to  the  same  perch,  a  liabit  which  betrays  their  family 
affinities,  though  it  is  occasionally  practiced  by  some 
other  birds. 

Among  our  Eastern  Flycatcliers  the   Kingbird  un- 
doubtedly deserves  first  rank.     In  books  he  is  sometimes 
Kingbird  called  the  Tyrant,  but  the  name  is  a 

Tymniitixti/vannu^.    libel.     The  Kingbird  is  a  flghter,  but 
Plato  XXX.         jjy  jg  ^jj^^  ^  bully,  and  gives  l)attle  only 

in  a  just  cause,  llis  particular  enemy  is  the  Crow,  and 
during  the  nesting  season  eacli  Kingbird  evidently  draws 
an  imaginary  circle  about  his  home  within  which  no 
Crow  can  venture  unchallenged.  Fiom  his  lookout  on 
the  topmost  branch  of  a  neighboring  tree  the  Ivingbird 
darts  forth  at  the  trespasser,  charging  him  with  a  spirit 


\\k 


}d  in  tlie 
members 
structural 
rders,  the 
Songless 
lining  the 
jnibers  of 
America. 
Birds,  in 
in  having 
lid  chiefly 
ig  organ. 
!t  pairs  of 
;  less  than 
loped. 
Id.  Their 
stantly  on 
the  wing, 
|he  bill  is 

catching 
ey  return 
ir  family 

)y  some 

)ird  un- 
ometinies 
lame  is  a 
iter,  but 
ttle  only 
row,  and 
tly  draws 
hicli  no 
ikout  on 
vingbird 
1  a  spirit 


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Plate  XLIV.  Page  141. 

VESI'EIJ  SPAKKOW. 

L(>iit;th,  (M(l  inches.     I'piicr  piirts  j,Ma.visli.  hlacU.  jind   lirowii :  lu'cjisl 

aiifl   sides  strealved  wilii   hiiiriv  and   luown;  lieljy  wiiite;    lesser  winj,'- 

eovei'ts  elieslnut ;  outer  taii-feaiiiers  niore  or  less  wiiite. 


f^   " 


^i'  I 


III- 


'.  Mil 


t> 


CRESTED  FLYCATCHER. 


123 


and  fearlessness  which  no  bird  can  withstand.  It  is  a  case 
of  "  right  makes  might,"  achled  to  a  very  (icxterous  use  of 
wings  and  bill.  The  Crow,  if  he  be  experienced,  turns 
tail  at  once  and,  beyond  protesting  Mjnairh,  makes  no 
attempt  to  defend  himself.  But  the  Kingbird  is  deaf  to 
pleas  for  mercy ;  he  too  has  had  experience,  and  well 
knows  that  ojdy  his  own  watchfulness  has  aved  his  eggs 
or  young.  Far  in  the  distance  he  relentlessly  pursues  his 
foe,  leaving  him  only  when  he  has  administered  a  lesson 
which  will  not  be  forgotten.  Then  he  returns  to  his  post 
and,  with  crest  erect  and  quivering  wings,  gives  voice  to 
cries  of  victory. 

Bee-keepers  accuse  the  Kingbird  of  a  taste  for  honey- 
bees, but  the  examinatioTi,  made  by  Prof.  Deal,  of  two 
hundred  and  eighteen  Kingbirds'  stomachs  shows  that 
the  charge  is  unfounded.  Only  fourteen  stomachs  con- 
tained remains  of  bees,  most  of  which  were  drones,  while 
sixty  per  cent  of  the  Kingbirds'  food  was  found  to  con- 
sist of  injurious  insects. 

Kingbirds  winter  in  Central  and  South  America,  re- 
turning to  us  in  the  spring  about  May  1,  and  remaining 
until  Septend)er.  Their  nest  is  a  compact,  symmetrical 
structure  of  weed  stalks,  grasses,  and  moss,  lined  with 
plant  down,  fine  grasses,  and  rootlets,  and  is  usually  placed 
at  the  extremity  of  a  limb  about  twenty  feet  from  the 
ground.  The  eggs,  three  to  five  in  number,  are  white, 
spotted  with  chocolate. 

The  Crested  or  Great  Crested  Flycatcher  is,  as  a  rule, 
not  80  common  as  the  King1)ird,  and  its  habits  prevent  it 

Crested  Flycatcher,     ^^'^^^  '>ci"J?  ^o  easily  obsei'ved.     King- 

MyiairhuH  vriiiituc.     birds  can  be  seen  whenever  heard,  but 

I'lutc  XXXI.         yQ^^  ,^jj^y  ]jgj^,.  ^]jg  Greatcrest's  whistle 

many  times  before  you  see  the  whistler.  Generally  he 
lives  in  the  woods  high  up  in  the  trees,  but  he  is  also 
found  in  old  orchards.     His  call,  like  an   exclamation, 


m 


m 


f 

ii 


ii 


I 


124 


pnn?BK. 


riii^s  out  abovo  all  other  birds'  notcn.  W/ittt/  ho  seems 
to  H!iy,  and,  as  thoufjjh  hearing  something  which  not  only 
surprised  hut  amused  him,  follows  this  eall  with  a  chuck- 
ling' whisthi. 

The  ( I  reutcrest  arrives  from  the  south  ahout  ISfaj  7, 
and  remains  until  September.  Nestin*^  is  befrmi  early  in 
June,  a  hollow  limb  beinjij  the  home  usually  selected.  In 
collectini;  its  nestiiifjf  materials,  the  bird  displays  a  very 
sin«:;ular  trait,  and  jjjives  evidence  of  the  stability  of  habit. 
With  rare  excei)tions  it  places  a  bit  of  cast  snake-skin  in 
its  nest.  Various  reasons  have  been  advanced  to  account 
for  this  sin«j;ular  habit,  but  none  of  them  is  satisfactory. 
Recently  Lieutenant  Wirt  Robinson  has  discovered  that 
one  of  the  commonest  and  most  generally  distributed  spe- 
cies of  this  genus  in  South  America  places  cast  snake-skin 
in  its  nest,  and  it  is  well  known  that  the  Arizona  Crested 
Flycatcher  follows  the  same  custom.  The  habit  is  there- 
fore  wides})read,  aixl  is  coimnon  to  birds  living  under 
greatly  varying  conditions.  Rather  than  consider  it  of 
es])ecial  signili(!ance  in  each  species,  it  seems  more  reason- 
able to  believe  that  it  is  an  inheritance  from  a  conunon 
ancestor,  and  has  no  connection  with  the  present  sur- 
roundings of  at  least  those  species  living  so  far  from  the 
center  of  <listribution  of  this  tropical  genus  as  our  Mi/i- 
arc/)Uf<  cnnitufi. 

The  Pluebe  is  domestic ;  lie  prefers  tlie  haunts,  or,  at 

least,  handiwork  of  man,  and  when  not  nesting  on  a  beam 

Phoebe  "'  ^  barn,  slied,  or  ])iazza,  selects  the 

Sn!/nriii.tpii,vhe.       slielter  of  a  bridge  for  a  home.     Here 

Plate  XXXII.  ]jg  places  his  nest  of  moss  and  nnid  ;  a 
structure  of  generous  proportions,  for  the  Phuibe's  family 
may  number  five  or  six. 

Flycatchers,  because  of  the  nature  of  their  food,  usu- 
ally make  extended  migrations.  For  the  same  reason 
they  arrive  late  in  the  spring  and  depart  early  in  the 


'liiick- 


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riiiir- "Hi  ;ilii>' I    !ili    -flu"    'ii.il.-'    hi  '(•-.      M /'.'/.'  ii.ccriiii 

t..      |\',  :i!i.l,  H-   !li'i':;r':    i.ririii..:   "■  MiwI  hiii  .;   \.  ii '.''li  !•    iiMiI\ 

•■ui'l.ri  .,  .1    Itilt   iilllU"'        il'iii,    inlliiWi   till.',  ("lii    y  .111  ■.   1  ,.i|i  !v 
ii;i;/   \\  liHl  !'  . 

|!.t','<  it'MVit'  :iri'i\<>  f'-.iii    i!iv      ii;ir|i    vlu    ,1    M,)_\    .'. 
;!'/l   r.  Ml    II       iHim!   S'  |»''  III,  mM  .        N''';-lil>M   j.  KC|.;i,'i  t.'iriv    1,; 

.I'liii-, -i  li.il!""..  !  mil  I  fii';j;  ^\i•■  'mrrn.'  u.-inHy  :>.'Ii'''f  ••!.  In 
r<'iH'cMlij  M;-  cr-lii'^  i;i  ifiVi.il,^.  ♦■'mi-  (ui'il  d  i  ■.j'l.ix  -  ,i  m-i-\ 
-'i|_'i!:ur  (I'll!,  iikI  ;ii\i'^  I  iilmc'  im'  Uic  i..|  i|iilit\'  I'l  Ii.iIm; 
W'i',  i'.iii-  r  \  ;•«  t'ti' i,;-  :  |'[:i('('-;  .M  K;*i  of  i-Ji  !  ■■  '•(••-I'm  iii 
■'^  !i,  ■,  ',  .,rii)ii-  iiV;  !  !is  l:'i\'.  Iifcn  iii\;ni'  ,'  ',  ;;''i(r;n:l 
t'lr'ihi-      i|i'_'"i'  If  !l  ('•'    ,   Ullf     M'.iii'      "!     tiu'lli    :  1   -.;.;  i.-i' M  111)-'- . 

' '.■(■. ■,,)] ,    !/ti|1,'ii  I'll    'Air!    !I.i')'.ii,,.i!i   ii;i     li' -'•■">  ti-i''!  ill, :l 


■  I   ih''  .•'i|ii!iii'i;     \  u' 


t  ■-<  1 :i!!  V  (ii  -I  I  i.  11  '.  'I  .-1(1' 


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n>  -     ■•  I        r  . ^    1 1  .' }];;/    ' i'\i iri" 
:'    ,li    (Cr -iMiT    I'   .if 
.     •   ■  .  ,     r-     I  ,,,  r  '•<•■'  -I  n 


"  n   ; ' ;  •.     ',  lir  \i  r      i     :  !■  ii '  ji  I .    ; 

'•-ji'.'i-i;.!    •!.'Mijii-  III!  r  ,.i   I  |..  ,    . 

n'.lr  I  1  !"■!'.  ■.  I    1  i;  it    if    :..     .  .  i  '  ,' 

.'H;c    ■■'  11;  .    'i;i.  i     ; '    -     IK)    <  ■  luii."'  ' ''  >n 

'MM::    !■   ...    li,-.!  n  /I'  •(;,     •!   r:       I  ;•   'i;'-    i  ;.t"ii-;  ,i-  .'ir 


M  n 


I'.r  I'm  ,  ■    ■.:  . ,.  •i'i'--M.'  ;    \^"  )>i    fi  \-   •■'!"  I.'iii'it-,  cr.  ;;( 


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I.  't  ii"<'  iin;-  'iri  n  (  •  iiiii 

II,-     I  'I  ,     ''M,     -''ii      !  -     •'  ln' 

'"•'■'  ■'  '^  '•"  !iv   j.'.-  ,  •■  \,v-    re  ■  '■'■   !i'.'-    'i:.^!  iMi.'l ;  ;:. 

-)  iMi.  t  liiH'    '  '■    .';rllci'ii'l'     ii!  ■■j'cl  rii"i:,    '    .;•  fli,-    1  '|,,i    [•,>  -'    j.llph 

;ii:'  \    ;■  ii'i'  i-f  il'.  !■''  '■  MX . 


.Ii-:;ci-'. 


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I'i'  !  :;f  ,i-r..'i'     •■'  ;l>'ii'  *"'!'  1. 


II     ;l 


'.''.rr;vc    I'liv    I,    [;,(:    ■■MUii/    ..iii'l    ii.h:in    i   iii  .     iii    ■  u 


'     'I'l'ti'T 


luSI 

•.Tr 


-m1. 


Plate  XLV.  Paue  142. 

CHIPPJNCr  SPARROW. 

L('iif,'tli,  r)-;!o  iiich(>s.  .S'/zww.r //«///,/;>-,•,  forehead  lilock;  crown  lirifjlit 
chi'stmit;  hack  hhick,  hrowii,  and  ^'ray;  niKh'r  jiarts  ^'rayisli  white;  Itill 
bhu'k.      Winter  pltima^i\  siiiiihir,  hut  crown  like  hack  ;  IjIU  hrownisii. 


LEAST  FLYCATCHER. 


125 


f;,il  ;  but  the  Pluebo  is  an  exception  to  this  rule.  Not 
only  does  he  winter  north  of  the  frost  line,  but  he  conies 
to  us  iis  early  as  March  20  and  remains  until  October. 

The  Pluebe  owes  his  name  to  his  souir  oi  jH}wU-j>/yvle, 
pewit-p/uebe,  a  Iiumble  lay  uttered  between  vigorous 
wags  of  the  tail.  This  tail-wagging  is  a  cliaractcristic 
motion,  and  also  accompanies  the  Plucbe's  call-note, 
pee,  pee,  which  it  utters  at  intervals. 

The  Least  Flycatcher  shares  the  Plujebe's  preference 

for  the  vicinity  of  houses  and  is  most  often  found  nesting 

in  our  shade  or  fruit  trees.     The  nest, 

least  Flycatcher,  vi       xi        t>i     i    ?      •  a      £ 

,.     .,  .  .         unlike   the    Phoebe  s,  is  composed   oi 

Lmpidonuf  minimus.  '  i 

plant-down,  fibers,  and  rootlets,  and  is 
placed  in  the  crotch  of  a  tree.  The  eggs  resemble  the 
Phoebe's  in  being  white. 

It  is  difficult  to  describe  our  smaller  Flycatchers  so 
that  even  when  in  the  hand  they  may  be  satisfactorily 
identified,  and  it  is  quite  impossible  to  describe  them  so 
that  from  color  alone  they  may  be  recognized  in  the  field. 
Fortunately,  the  calls  of  our  commoner  species  are  so 
uidike  that,  when  learned,  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in 
naming  their  authors. 

To  say  that  the  Least  Flycatcher  is  five  and  a  half 
inches  long,  olive-green  above  and  grayish  white  below, 
does  not  aid  one  in  distinguishing  it  from  several  of  its 
cousins ;  but  when  I  add  that  its  call  is  a  snappy  chehee, 
ehehec,  the  bird  will  be  known  the  first  time  it  is  heard. 
It  is  this  call  which  has  given  the  bird  its  common 
name. 

The  Chebec  comes  to  us  in  the  spring,  about  April  25, 
and  remains  until  8e])teniber. 

You  will  rarely  find  two  members  of  the  same  family 
with  more  different  dispositions  than  those  of  the  King- 
bird and  Wood  Pewee.  Their  natures  might  symbolize 
war  and  peace,  so  combative  is  the  Kingbird,  so  gentle  the 


I 


■m 


■'I  :i 


■.^f 


t 


'  +. 


:Ml 


, 


!  t 


120 


WOOD   PEWEE. 


Pewce.  As  so  often  lmp])cn8  among  biids,  tlioir  voices 
are   in    keepinj;^  with    tlieir    toin|K>ranieiitrt.      The    soft, 

WoodPewee  «li'eani_v  pcc-a-wce  or  jWi'-d-vcc  peer  of 

<o,i/ajn,..'  rh:,,.':.       tlie   Pewec  is  as  well  suited  to  its  cliar- 

I'liiti' xxxiii.  iU'ter  as  tlie  harsli,  chattering  cries  of 
victory  are  to  the  Kinghinrs. 

The  Pewee  is  the  last  of  our  more  connnon  Fly- 
catchers to  come  from  the  South,  arriving  about  May  lo, 
and,  like  the  Cl'ehec,  remaining  until  October.  It  is  less 
social  than  either  the  Chebec  or  the  Pluebe.  Forests 
are  its  chos  n  haunts,  but  occasioiuiUy  it  is  found  on  well- 
shaded  lawns  and  roadsides. 

The  Pewee's  nest  rivals  the  Hummingbird's  in  beauty. 
It  is  a  coarser  structure,  comjwsed  of  fitie  grasses,  rootlets, 
and  moss,  but  externally  is  thickly  covered  with  lichens. 
Usually  it  is  saddled  on  a  hmb  from  twenty  to  forty  feet 
above  the  ground.  The  eggs,  three  or  four  in  number, 
are  white,  with  a  wreath  of  dark  brown  s])ots  around  the 
larger  end. 

Larks.    (Family  ALAuniDiE.) 

This  family  contains  the  true  Larks,  birds  witli  long 
hind  toe  nails,  and  a  generally  brown  or  sandy  colored 
plumage,  the  Skylark  being  a  ty]>A'al  species.  There  are 
some  one  Irjtidred  species  of  Larks,  but  of  these  only  the 
Horned  Lark  and  its  geographical  varieties  are  found 
in  diis  country. 

The  variation  in  coU.r  shown  by  the  Horned  Lark 
throughimt  its  rnnge  is  renuirkable.     From  the  Mexican 

Horned  Lark  tableland   northward   to   Labrador  and 

<>f»rori.i  nf/„.--t>-i:i.      Alaska   no    less   than   eleven  different 

I'liito  XX XIV.        p  ographical  races  are  known,  each  one 

reflecting  the  influence  of  the  conditions  under  which  it 

lives,  and  all  intergrading  one  with  another.     Only  two  of 


^ 


Liirk 

Uexieaii 

or  .'uid 

ift'erent 

leh  one 

liit'li  it 

two  of 


PLATE  XLVI. 


WHITK  THKOATKl)  Sl'AlJROW. 


PAdE  Ult. 


Lciij^lli,  (i-T")  iiiciics.  Adult,  loi'cs  iiii'i  Iii'IkI  (if  wiiiK  vcHmw;  crown 
liliii'k  iiiid  while;  hnck  clicstiuit-lirowii.  liliick.  iiiid  Imft';  tlifoal  white; 
I'fciiht  jiikI  si(i(  s  ^'i-fi.visii  ;  liclly  while.  Voiiiii;.  siiiiil;ii'.  ImU  crd.vn  nioro 
lii<f  liiii'ii;  yellow  i;:;::-ki:if,'s  diillei'. 


HORNED  LARK. 


12; 


these  races  are  found  in  the  eastern  United  States,  the 
Horned  Lark  and  the  Prairie  Horned  Lark.  The  former 
visits  us  in  tlie  winter;  the  hitter  occurs  at  all  seasons, 
but  during  the  sunnuer  is  found  only  in  certain  regions. 
At  this  season  it  inhabits  the  ui)per  MiKsissij)pi  Valley, 
whence  it  extends  eastward  through  northwestern  Pemi- 
svlvania  aiul  central  New  York  to  western  Massachu- 
setts.  From  October  to  April  it  may  be  found  with  the 
Horned  Lark  as  far  south  as  South  ('arolina.  The  two 
birds  differ  in  size  and  color.  The  Horned  Lark's  wing 
averages  4*27  inches  in  length,  the  Prairie  Lark's  wing 
averages  but  4*()8  inches  in  length ;  the  former's  forehead 
aiul  eye-line  are  yellow,  the  Litter's  white. 

Horned  Larks  are  eminently  terrestrial,  rarely  if 
ever  choosing  a  higher  perch  than  a  fence.  When  on 
the  ground  they  do  not  hop,  but  walk  or  run.  When 
flushed  they  take  wing  with  a  sharp,  whistled  note,  but 
often  return  to  the  place  from  which  they  started.  "When 
nesting,  they  may  be  found  in  fields,  pastures,  and  plains 
in  scattered  pairs,  but  iluring  the  winter  they  are  asso- 
ciated in  flocks,  which  resort  to  the  vicinity  of  the  sea- 
coast  or  large  open  tracts  in  the  interior.  The  nest  is, 
of  course,  built  on  the  groimd.  The  eggs,  three  or  four 
in  number,  are  pale  bluish  or  greenish  white,  minutely 
and  evenly  speckled  with  grayish  brown. 

The  Horned  Lark,  like  its  famous  relative  and  many 
other  terrestrial  s])ecie8,  sings  while  on  the  wing,  soaring 
high  above  the  earth,  and  often  repeating  its  song  many 
times  before  alighting.  The  effort  is  worthy  of  better 
results,  for  the  bird's  song  is  simple  and  unmusical. 


128 


CROWS  AND  JAYS. 


t'' 


Hi 


Crows,  Jays,  etc.    (Family  CoRviDi^!:.) 

Tlici'c  arc  Rystomatists  wlio  think  that  tlie  members 
of  this  family  should  hold  thi'  place  iisually  assigned  the 
Thrushes,  at  the  head  of  the  class  Arcs.  Leaving  out  of 
the  case  anatomical  details  Avhose  value  is  disputed,  we 
might  object  to  a  family  of  songless  birds  being  given  first 
rank  in  a  grouj)  whose  leading  character  is  power  of 
song.  But  while  Crows  and  Jays  may,  from  a  nmsical 
8tandi)oint,  lie  considered  songless,  no  one  can  deny  their 
great  vocal  ])owei-s.  Song,  after  all,  does  not  imi)ly  high 
rank  in  bird-life,  and  some  of  the  sweetest  singers  (among 
others,  some  Snipe,  and  the  Tinamoiis  and  "Wood  Quail 
of  South  America)  are  not  mend)ers  of  the  suborder  of 
Song  Birds. 

If,  however,  the  relative  intelligence  of  the  two  fam- 
ilies be  taken  into  account,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that 
Corvidcp  fully  deserve  to  be  considered  the  most  highly 
developed  of  birds.  How  many  tales  are  told  of  the 
human  actions  of  the  Raven,  Rook,  Jackdaw,  Magpie, 
Jay,  and  Crow ! 

Of  the  two  hundred  members  of  this  family,  six  in- 
habit eastern  North  America,  by  far  the  most  common 
being  the  Crow.  No  one  of  our  birds 
American  Crow,       .^  ^^^^^^^,  ^^^  ^nd  still,  how  iijnorant 

we  are  of  liis  ways !  I  am  not  sure 
that  lie  does  not  know  more  about  ours.  We  have  not 
even  recorded  his  notes,  for,  in  spite  of  the  current  opin- 
ion that  the  Crow's  calls  are  restricted  to  e(ru\  he  has  an 
extended  vocabulary.  I  am  not  aware  that  he  ever 
ascends  to  the  height  of  a  love  song,  but  that  he  can 
converse  fluently  no  one  who  has  listened  to  him  will 
question.  Of  the  vai'iants  of  <'i(i(\  each  with  its  own 
significance,  there  seems  no  end ;  but  if  you  would  be 


'*?'^I''5-^^A''*''*1^''^  *<''*■'" 


-V 


'^,;fe 


members 
;igned  the 
:iif«;  out  of 
|)iite(l,  we 
^iveu  first 
power  of 
a  musical 
leny  tlieir 
[iply  liigh 
•s  (among 
i()(l  Quail 
jordcr  of 

two  fam- 
3ul)t  that 
tst  highly 
d  of  the 
Magjiie, 


i'. 


?/ 


.,4r 


1^ 


y,  SIX  in- 

coumion 

our  birds 

ignorant 

not  sure 

have  not 

int  opin- 

le  has  an 

he  ever 

t  lie  can 

liim  will 

its  own 

rould  be 


m^.. 


#"^" 


.'Tr 


%^ 


'  ■   ! 


'.'I  ■  r 


,  .    .!   ',  \ 


M 

i'l';.. 

m 


■xn 


'«  ■:  I 


Plate  XLVII.  Page  144. 

FdX  SPAEIIOW. 

Length,  l-2'>  inches.  Upix'r  parts,  wings,  iind  tail  bright  iwhlish  brown  ; 
bacliand  licad  nii.xcd  willi  a  browner  color ;  under  parts  whit*;  and  bright 
reddish  lirown. 


n 


AMKUICAN  CIIOVV. 


1L>!> 


imprortHiMl  with  tlio  Crow-'n  (•loriiiciicc  yon  must  lioar  liini 
when,  ill  tlic  t'ancicMl  priviicy  of  his  own  Ihick  or  fuinily, 
h*;  (liscuKscs  the  alhiirs  of  \\\v  (hiy.  His  notes  thmi  nro 
low,  rtiid  HO  vurind  in  tono  that  one  can  not  donht  their 
convorsationai  character. 

I)urin<;  the  winter  Crows  assetnhlo  in  hw^o  flocks 
containin^r  many  thousand  individuals,  who  nijjjhtly  re- 
turn to  some  roo:<t,  which  perhaps  has  l)e(;n  fre(piented 
for  years.  In  Afarcli  they  la-ijin  to  ]>air  and  tlie  nest  is 
constructed  eirly  in  April.  Tt  is  a  l»n]ky  affair  of 
sticks,  iineil  chleily  witli  "grapevine  l>ark,  and  is  placed  in 
a  tree,  nsiially  ahoiit  thirty  feet  from  tlu;  ifroiind.  Th(( 
four  to  six  ei,'<;s  are  hliiish  ^'reen,  thickly  marked  with 
shades  of  hrown. 

Crows  share  with  Hawks  the  reputation  of  hein^ 
harmful  hirds.  That  they  do  much  dMina;j;e  in  the  eorn- 
tield  is  nndeniahle,  hut,  after  the  examination  of  nine 
hundred  Crows'  stomachs,  Dr.  IMerriam,  of  tlie  Depart- 
ment of  A_<i;riculture,  states  that  the  amount  of  ^ood 
(hmo  by  the  Crow  in  destroyin<i;  <:;rasshoppers,  IVfay 
beetles,  cutworms,  and  other  injurious  intsccts,  exceeds 
the  loss  caused  l»y  the  destruction  of  corn.  Moreover,  if 
the  corn  he  tarred  before  plantinuj,  the  Crows  will  not 
touch  either  the  kernel  or  younj;  sprout.  The  corn 
should  first  be  soake  i  in  water  overnight,  and  then 
placed  in  a  vessel  containinji^  enou<:;h  soft  tar  to  coat  each 
kernel.  It  should  then  be  rolled  in  plaster  of  Paris  or 
wood  ashes,  so  that  it  can  be  more  easily  handled.* 

The  I'lue  -lay,  in  his  uniform  of  blue  and  white,  is  so 
l)ri<fhtly  colored,  so  larii;e  (he  is  nearly  twelve  inches  in 
length),  and  often  so  noisy,  that  every  one   knows  him. 


*  Sec  IJarnnvs  and  Scluvarz,  The  ('(million  Cripw,  HiiUolin  No.  0, 
L'nitcd  States  Dopiirliuent  of  Agrieulture,  Division  of  Ornithology 
and  Mummalogy, 
10 


IK  I 

I: 


ir,o 


BLUE  JAY. 


Blue  Jay, 

Ci/((ii"ci/f  I  irm/iifii. 


A  I 


H     '  '1 


Liko  tlio  Crow,  ho  is  with  us  throuji^hont  tlio  year.  Dur- 
iiii;  tliu  smimicr  ho  is  not  very  conimon,  and  is  rcmark- 
nhly '|iiiut,  hut  in  ScpttMiihcn"  mid  Octo- 
l>or  migrants  arrive  from  the  North,  and 
the;  l)irds  aro  tiiiMi  ahiindant  in  hands. 
These  hands  roam  ah(»ut  the  country  like  a  hit  of  school- 
hoys  out  chestnuttinjif,  paiisin;^  wherever  they  find  acorns 
and  chestnuts  ahundant,  or  leavinjjf  their  feast  to  worry 
some  |)oor  Owl  whose  hiding  place  they  have  discovered. 
Tlie  llluo  Jay's  host  friend  could  not  conscientiously 
call  him  a  songster,  hut  as  a  conversationali.^t  he  rivals 
the  Crow.  I  have  yet  to  discover  a  limit  to  his  voeah- 
ulary,  and,  although  on  ])rincii)le  one  may  ascrihe  al- 
most any  strange  call  to  the  IMue  .Fay,  it  is  well  to  with- 
hold judgment 'intil  his  loud,  hwrAi  jtiij  !  jay  !  hetrays 
the  caller's  identity.  Not  content  with  a  language  of 
his  own,  he  horrows  from  other  hirds,  mimicking  their 
calls  so  closely  that  the  hirds  themselves  are  deceived. 
The  Red-shouldered,  Ked-tail,  and  Sparrow  Hawks  are 
the  species  whose  notes  he  imitates  most  often. 

The  I»lne  Jay  nests  in  the  latter  part  of  ^Fay,  hinld- 
ing  a  compact  nest  of  rootlets  in  a  tree  ten  to  twenty 
feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  pale  oli'  i-rrreen 
or  hrownish  ashy,  rather  thickly  marked  with  varying 
shades  of  cinnamon-brown. 


Sfi 


Orioles.  Blackbirds,  etc.    (Family  IcTERiDiE.) 

The  popular  names  of  many  of  our  hirds  were  given 
them  hy  the  early  colonists  because  of  their  fancied  re- 
semblance to  some  Old  World  species.  The  fact  that 
some  of  these  names  are  incorrect  and  misleading  has 
been  pointed  out  scores  of  times,  but  they  are  now  as 
firmly  fixed  as  the  signs  of  the  zodiac. 


r.    T)ur- 

i  rcnmrk- 
iitl  Oc'to- 
urth,  and 
III  liiuidri. 
t"  Hcliool- 
1(1  aconis 
to  worry 
Kcovcrud. 
I'litionsly 
he  rivals 
lis  vocal  >- 
^('ril)o  al- 
1  to  witli- 
/  betrays 
giiajxe  of 
iiifi;  their 
deceived. 
awlvH  are 

ly,  laiild- 
twenty 
vn-roen 
varying 


;re  given 
ricied  re- 
fact  that 
ling  has 
i  now  as: 


:#">     f- 


^■'* 


If 


J 


I 


f      1 


) 


'..1 


' ^   I*  \' y  ] 


/ 


1 


'7' . 


< 


..     \ 


.1  I. 


Ill  :   i;  .i  \V  . 

■■'  ,  1  '    .  i      '  .  '  [>i  .  -11  I  ^)'    r    'Hi    !     <    'I    ■(  ■ 

:i       1- -.1  ri I l!:i_ .  ; • ' '  -•  -  •  \' a  :■>    •  v     '        "  ■-  '       .  n  ■• 

•-!    '    :  I       .:  .'1.     '  i:;!.'-    '   •■  <\  . .  i  .:    i  '../•'     !'■,     .     -•■.;.      lA 

■   'v\  i    •.'.  i|    ■-•      •    I    i'      _       :!,■'■!,.      .     I.  .\  ..    I'l  ,..,    ,-.    1  ,\  ' 

■     ■    ■.     1.  ■     ,.  ■•  i'l     :i;  '.,•■:'    ■      i'.'     >'i  s'.;' 


,   I  i    :w'i  :"■•  'I 


'h,  ii' 


'''';.! 


•I;  J       !•(■ 


I      '  .     ,M       I  ■  t   I  ,     ' 


ftH'l 


i  t    i 


I,  !   (  •(  :.■ 

.1(1'' 
..,  i,      ,' 

,  ■       .  ri  ■■ 
'■!  ■■:■     rv 

:'■■    ri«-.ii 

■T    I      ■      :.' 


Eri\f5t  Sftonlhof^/jsofi-, 


Plate  XLVIII.  Page  145. 

JUNCO. 

Length,  0-25  inches.  A/a/f,  upper  parts,  throat,  and  breast  slate-color; 
belly  and  outer  tail-feathers  white.  Female,  similar,  but  plumage  more 
or  less  washed  with  brownish. 


BALTIMORE  ORIOLE. 


131 


Thus  the  Robin  is  not  a  Robin  l)ut  a  true  Tbnisb, 
the  Meadowlark  is  not  a  T^ark  but  a  Starling,  and  the 
Orioles  are  not  Orioles  at  all,  but  members  of  a  distinc- 
tively American  family  having  no  representatives  in  the 
Old  World.  This  family  contains  one  Inindred  and  fifty 
species,  of  which  nearly  one  third  belong  in  the  genus 
Ideruii.  The  prevailing  colors  of  the  bii-ds  of  this  genus 
are  orange  ar.d  black,  hence  their  resemblance  to  the  true 
Orioles  (genus  Oiiolm)  of  the  Old  World. 

Our  Baltimore  Oriole  is  a  worthy  representative  of  a 

group  remarkable  for  its  bright  coh^rs.     It  is  to  these 

Baltimore  Oriole       same  colors  that  the  bird  owes  not  only 

lH,nis,j,i/hii/(i.        irs  generic  but  its  specific  designation, 

riiitoXXX\.  orange  and  black  being  the  livery  of 
Lord  Baltimore,  after  whom  the  bird  was  named. 

The  Baltimore  Oriole,  or,  as  it  is  also  called.  Firebird, 
Golden  Robin,  or  ITangnest,  winters  in  Central  America, 
and  in  the  spring  reaches  the  latitude  of  ^lew  York  city 
aboul  Ma}  1.  I  always  k»ok  for  it  when  the  cherry  trees 
burst  into  blosso'ii,  and  at  no  other  time  does  its  beauti- 
ful pluTTiage  appear  to  better  advantage  than  when  seen 
against  a  background  of  white  flowers.  To  the  charm  of 
beauty  it  adds  the  attraction  of  song,  a  rich,  ringing 
whistle,  wliicli  can  be  more  or  less  successfully  imitated, 
when  the  bird  immediately  responds,  challenging  the 
supposed  trespasser  on  his  donuiin. 

The  Baltimore's  nest  is  a  bag  about  five  inches  deep 
and  three  inches  in  diameter,^  woven  of  i)lant-fibers, 
thread,  etc.,  and  suspended  from  the  terminal  portion  of 
a  limb,  generally  of  an  elm  tree.  The  four  to  six  eggs 
are  white,  singularly  scrawled  with  fine  black  lines,  and 
with  a  few  spots  or  blotches. 

The  (Orchard  Oriole  is  neither  so  common  nor  so 
gayly  dressed  as  his  brilliantly  colored  relative,  and,  being 
fonder  of  or-hards  than  lawns  and  elm-shaded  highways, 


^ESS^SSSS 


rssEss^^* 


IIIWIIMPI.HIPM 


132 


ORCHARD  ORIOLE. 


!    'if 


is  not  so  well  known.  The  feinaie  is  especially  easy  to 
overlook,  her  suit  of  plain  olive-green  closely  harnioniz- 
Orchard  Oriole,  "^S  ^^'^li  the  leaves  in  color.  Young 
Id, nt.t.'^/niri !!.■<.  nuilcs  at  tirst  exactly  resemble  her,  but 
I'lato  XXXVI.  ^jjg  following  spring  return,  wearing 
their  father's  hlack  cravat.  In  this  plumage  they  might 
readily  be  taken  for  another  species,  so  little  tlo  they  re- 
semble their  pareTits  in  appearance.  The  adult  chestnut 
and  black  plumage  is  not  fully  acquired  until  the  sec- 
ond, or  perhaps  even  the  third  spring. 

The  Orciiard  Oriole  winters  in  Central  America,  and 
in  the  summer  is  found  throughout  the  eastern  United 
States  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  Massachusetts.  It 
arrives  from  the  South  about  May  1,  and  is  one  of  the 
first  birds  to  leave  in  the  fall,  rarely  being  seen  after 
September  1.  Nesting  is  begun  late  in  IMay.  The  nest 
is  pensile,  but  not  so  deej)  as  that  oi  the  Baltimoi-e  Oriole, 
having  more  the  proportions  of  a  Vireo's  nest.  It  is 
composed  entirely  of  freshly  dried  greenish  grasses,  and 
is  suspendeil  from  near  the  extremity  of  a  branch  at  a 
height  of  fifteen  to  twenty  feet.  The  three  to  five  eggs 
are  bluish  white,  spotted,  blotched,  and  scrawled  with 
black. 

The  song  of  the  (Orchard  Oriole  resembles  tlii^t  of  his 
orange-and-black  cousin,  but  is  far  richer  in  tone  and 
more  linished  in  character. 

The  male  Redwing,  with  his  black  uniform  and  scar- 
let epaulets,  is  a  familiiu'  inhabitant  of  our  marshes,  but 
Red-winged  many  who  know  him  are  not  acquainteil 

Blackbird,  with  his  very  differently  attired  mate. 
A,jii,!iu^i,iu,uiruix.     ^],g  ^v-ears  a  costume  which  above  is 

black  streaked  with  buff  and  rust-color,  and  below  is 
striped  dingy  black  and  white,  and  is  much  inore  retiring 
than  her  conspicuous  husband.  Her  place  is  low  in  the 
bushes  or  among  the  reeds  near  the  nest  with  its  pale 


1 


'  easy  to 

armoniz- 

Youug 

her,  but 

wearing 

cy  might 

I  they  re- 

ehestnut 

the  sec- 

irica,  and 
n  United 
setts.  It 
ine  of  tlie 
een  after 
The  nest 
re  Oriole, 
;st.  It  is 
asses,  and 
anch  at  a 
five  eggs 
ed  with 

li't  of  his 
tone  and 


r 


t'( 


and  8car- 
shes,  hut 
|uaintb>l 
ed  mate, 
above  is 
behiw  is 
e  retiring 
)w  in  the 
its  pale 


Plate  XLIX. 


TEEE  SrARROW, 


Page  14G. 


L('ii5j;tli,  ('1-1)5  iiiclx's.  Crown  lii'i^lil  (•licstiiiit ;  Imck  lihick.  rcildisli  hfown, 
iiiid  luiffy;  uikIi'i'  pni'ts  jii'iiyish ;  sides  washed  witli  hi'()\\;riisli ;  u 
bliu'kisli  .si)ol  ill  tlie  eeiitei'  ul'  tlie  Ijrcast. 


PURPLE  GRACKLB. 


133 


l)lue  egp;8,  so  sirgularly  scrawled  with  l)lack.  lie  perches 
on  the  topmost  branch  of  a  iiei<ijlil)(»rlng  tree,  and  doubt- 
less supposes  he  is  <^uarding  his  homo  below,  when  in 
truth  he  is  advertising  his  treasure  to  every  passer-by. 

The  liedwing's  liquid  hoMj-quh'-i'te  is  pleasantly 
suggestive  of  marshy  jilaees,  but  it  is  his  early  spring 
music  for  which  we  should  chictly  value  him.  The  first 
liobins  or  Bluebirds  are  somewhat  unreliable  signs  of 
spring.  They  are  such  hardy  birds  that  it  requires  very 
little  encouragement  from  a  February  sun  to  send  a  few 
skirmishers  northward.  We  can  not  be  sure  whether 
they  represent  the  advance  guard  or  are  individuals  who 
have  had  the  courage  to  winter  Avith  us.  But  when  early 
in  March  the  liedwings  come,  then  we  know  that  the  tide 
of  the  year  has  turned.  With  perennial  faith  in  the  sea- 
son they  come  in  Hocks  of  hundreds,  singing  their  spring- 
time chorus  with  a  spirit  that  March  winds  can  not  sub- 
due. 

About  the  time  the  Hedwings  come,  late  in  February 

or  early  in  March,  we  may  expect  the  Purple  Grackles 

Purple  Graokle,       ^^'  ^'^'ow  Blackbirds.     They  migrate  in 

quhadiiK  quUcuhx.    large  flocks,  and  their  chorus  singing 

Pluto  XXXVII.       is  quite  as  inspiring  as  the  springtime 

concerts  of  the  Redwing.     There  are  two  kinds  of  Crow 

Blackbirds,  known  as  the  Purple  Grackle  and  the  Bronzed 

Grackle.     The  former  has  iridescent  bars  on  the  back 

and  in  the  Northern  States  is  found  only  east  of  the 

Alleghanies  nnd  south  of  Massachusetts;  the  latter  lias 

the  back  thimng,  brassy,  bronze,  u.thout  iridescence,  and 

in  the  nesting  season  inhabits  the  country  west  of  the 

Alleghanies  and  north  of  Connecticut.     The  females  of 

both  species  are  smaller  and  duller  than  the  males. 

Grackles  are  among  the  few  of  our  h)nd  birds  who 
live  in  flocks  all  the  year,  Tliey  pass  the  winter  and  mi- 
grate in  larger  companies,  but  when  resting  are  in  smallei 


134 


BOBOLINK. 


If     ! 


.''',! 


^1 


m 


bands  or  colonies.  Tliey  jrenerally  select  a  pine  ^rove, 
often  clioosing  one  in  a  cemetery,  park,  or  other  locality 
where  they  will  not  be  ()istnrl)e(l.  This  may  resnit  in  a 
scarcity  of  food  when  the  yoiinfji;  are  born,  bnt,  rather 
than  abiindon  a  locality  whidi  experience  has  proved  to 
l)e  safe,  they  make  lontr  journeys  in  search  of  food  for 
their  nestUiij^s.  By  watching  the  old  birds  one  may  then 
easily  learn  where  they  live.  Their  Hifjht  is  direct  and 
somewhat  labored,  and  when  ii-oinu;  onlv  a  short  distance 
they  '•  keel "  their  tail-feathers,  folding  theni  upward 
from  the  middle,  an  action  which  renders  (irackles  con- 
spicuous and  easily  identitiable  when  on  the  wing.  ( )n  the 
ground  they  stmt  about  with  a  peculiar  walk,  which,  in 
connection  with  their  yellowish  white  eye,  adds  to  the 
singularity  of  their  appearance. 

The  Grackle's  nest  is  a  bulky,  compact  structure  of 
unid  and  grasses.  It  is  usually  i)laced  in  trees,  twenty  to 
thirty  feet  from  the  ground,  but  the  bird  may  sometimes 
nest  in  bushes  or  even  in  a  Woodjiecker's  deserted  hole. 
The  three  to  six  eggs  are  generally  pale  bluish  green, 
strikinglv  spotted,  blotched,  or  scrawled  with  brown  and 
black.  But  one  brood  is  raised,  and  when  the  young 
leave  the  nest  they  roam  alxnit  the  coimtry  in  small 
bands,  which  later  join  together,  forming  the  enormous 
flocks  of  these  birds  we  see  in  the  fall. 

The  Bobolink's  extended  journeys  and  (piite  differ- 
ent costumes  have  given  him  many  (tJio-scs'.  Throughout 
his  breeding  range,  from  New  Jersey  to  Nova  Scotia, 

^  ^  ,.  ,  and   westward   to  T^tah,  he  is   known 

Bobolink,  ,  ,,  .  -        t,  ,    i.   i         t 

i>oiu-ho,:i/.v  whue   nestnig    as    the    JJobohnk.      In 

nryzirorus.  July  and  August  he   loses   his  black, 
Plate  XXXV Hi.       ^^^^^^   ^^^    ^^f^j^^   wedding   dress,   and 

gains  a  new  suit  of  feathers  resendding  in  ''olor  those 
worn  by  his  mate,  though  somewhat  yellower.  This  is 
the   Reedbird  dress,  and  in  it  he  journeys  nearly  four 


me  grove, 

or  localitv 

esult  in  a 

ut,  mtliei 

proved  to 

food  for 

iiiiij  then 

lirec't  and 

•t  distance 

u  u])ward 

t'kles  con- 

■.     On  the 

wliicli,  in 

Ids  to  tlie 

nctiire  of 
twenty  to 
'Onietinies 
lied  hole, 
isli  green, 
irown  and 
he  young 
in  small 
enormous 


mi 


'    t  ■ 


^*^.^_. 


1 


ite  differ- 
)vonghout 
va  Scotia, 
is  known 
link.  In 
[lis  black, 
ress,  and 
)lor  those 
This  is 
urlv  four 


Pfl 


■>/ 


Elrneit  5'«toii.    llioln]^Sorv. 


Plate  L.  Pages  14fi,  147. 

IJEDPOLL. 

Li'iif^tli,  (■)•;!()  inclios.    Adult  iiiah-,  crown  lirij^lit  lod  ;  bat-k  brownish  black 

and  tjrayish  ;  iliroat  black:  uikIci'  parts  wliito,  streaked  with  black; 

breast  pink.     AJiilt  female  nn.l youii!:;,  similar,  but  no  pink  on  breast. 

SNOWFLAKE. 

Lcnj^tli,  t)-','0  inches.     Upper  parts  brown  and  black  ;  winj^s  and  tail  black 
and  white  ;  under  parts  white  ;  breast  and  sides  brownish. 


i.Z- 


I   :i'i 


iJonohiMv. 


V.io 


tlidUHiuul  miles  to  his  winter  ([imrterrt  muth  of  the  Ama- 
zon. 

Tlie  Htarr  is  mmle  in  •Inly,  when  lie  joins  flocks  of 
hin  kind  in  the  northern  wild-rice  {Zizoiilti  miuiiiirn) 
marshes.  Lute  in  An«;ji*^t  he  visits  thi'  cultivate*!  rico 
iieldrt  of  South  Carolina  and  (ieortjia,  and  it  is  at  this  sen- 
son  we  so  often  liear  the  metallic  I'ml'  of  passing;  initi;rants. 
The  rice  is  now  in  the  milk,  and  the  Iticeltirds,  or  Orto- 
lans, as  thev  are  called  in  the  South,  are  so  destructive  to 
the  crop  that  it  is  estimated  they  directiv  or  indirectiv 
cause  an  annuid  loss  of  s5^:5,(KM^,(l()(►.  Some  hlrds  linger 
as  far  n(»rth  as  New  Voi-k  nntil  October  1,  hut  by  this 
time  the  leaders  of  the  south-boniid  host  have  reached 
Cuba,  where  they  are  called  CIihiiiIk  njit.  From  ('id>a 
they  pass  to  the  coast  of  Vucatan,  and  1  hence  southward 
throui>'h  Central  America  or  to  the  island  of  .lamaica, 
where,  because  of  their  extreme  fatness,  they  are  known 
as  Hutterbirds.  From  Jamaica  they  ijo  to  the  mainland, 
either  of  ("enti'al  America,  or  by  one  continuous  tliijjht  of 
four  hundred  miles  to  northern  South  America,  theneo 
traveliiifjj  southward  to  their  winter  home. 

The  northward  journey  is  begun  in  ^Farch  or  April, 
and  about  the  'l'A\\  of  the  latter  month  the  vanguard 
reaches  Florida.  It  is  composed  oidy  of  males,  now 
called  ^laybirds,  all  in  full  sonjir.  Let  any  one  wlio 
knows  the  IJobolink's  song  imagine,  if  he  can,  the  effect 
produced  by  three  hundred  birds  singing  together! 

About  May  I  J'obolinks  reach  the  vicinity  of  New 
York  city.  The  females  soon  follow  the  males,  and 
early  in  June  the  birds  are  nesting.  This  is  the  glad 
season  of  the  IJobolink's  year.  For  ten  months  he  has 
been  an  exile,  but  at  last  he  is  at  home  again,  and  he 
gives  voice  to  his  joy  in  the  jolliest  tinkling,  rippling, 
rollicking  song  that  ever  issued  from  bird's  throat. 

In  the  fields  made  merry  by  the  music  of  Bobolinks  one 


\    !'<■ 


136 


MEADOWLARK. 


is  almost  sure  to  find  Meadowlarks.     They  are  strong- 

k'gged  walkers,  and  spend  all  their  time  while  feeding 

Meadowlark  ^'^  ^^'^   ground.      Like   all    terrestrial, 

Stnnuiia  ina,/i,a.      protectively  colorcd  birds,  they  often 

Plate  XXXIX.        ^yy  ^.^  ggc^pe  observation  by  hiding  in 

the  grasses  rather  than  by  Hying.  When  jjerched  in  a 
tree  or  other  exposed  position,  they  are  among  the  shyest 
of  our  smaller  birds,  rarely  permitting  a  near  approach; 
but  when  they  fancy  themselves  concealed  on  the  ground 
they  sometimes  "  lu  as  close"  as  Bob-whites.  When 
tlushcd  they  fiy  rapidly,  alternately  fla})ping  and  sailing, 
showing  as  they  fly  the  white  feathers  on  either  side  of 
their  tail.  These  feathers  are  the  Meadowlark's  best  field 
character.  They  are  very  conspicuous  when  he  is  on  the 
wing,  and,  when  perching,  if  he  is  alarmed  or  excited,  lu 
exposes  them  by  nervously  flitting  or  twitching  his  tail. 
This  movement  is  generally  accompanied  by  a  single 
nasal  call-note,  which  changes  to  a  rolling  twitter  as  the 
bird  takes  wing.  Neither  of  these  notes  give  any  indi- 
cation of  the  sweetness  of  the  bird's  song,  a  high  nuisical 
whistle,  clear  as  the  note  of  a  fife,  sweet  as  tlie  tone  of  a 
flute.  It  is  subject  to  much  variation  both  individual 
and  local,  but  the  song  I  oftenest  hear  in  northern  New 
Jersey  may  be  written  : 


t?= 


EE: 


m 


SEfEE: 


When  singing,  the  birds  usually  perch  in  an  exposed  po- 
sition, generally  choosing  the  topmost  branches  of  a  tree 
or  a  dead  limb. 

The  ^Meadowlark's  nest  is  placed  upon  the  ground,  as 
a  rule,  in  a  tuft  of  grasses  M'hich  is  arranged  to  form  a 
dome  over  it.  The  eggs,  four  to  six  in  number,  are  laid 
about  May  15,  and  in  color  are  white,  spotted  or  speckled 
with  cinnamon  or  reddich  brown. 


Mi 


are  etronff- 
ile  feeding 

terrestrial, 
tliey  often 
;  Ijiding  in 
relied  in  a 
■  the  shyest 

approach ; 
the  ground 
es.  When 
ind  sailing, 
ler  side  of 
s  best  field 
le  is  on  the 
excited,  hv 
ig  his  tail. 
y  a  single 
ttcr  as  the 
D  any  indi- 
irh  nuisical 
tone  of  a 

individnal 

lern  New 


i' 


•'■•'^ 


„-.f^«S?f"'.vt-H-., 


'-^} 


.,»*" 


)osed  po- 
of a  tree 

ground,  as 
o  form  a 
,  are  laid 
speckled 


.#'*■ 

vtr 

(' ' 

■ij^ ' 

'  .     -l^Vi 

■>F 

W^ 

m^ 

\ ' 

™>v 

Ji 

-i\. 

■  '. 

&:  ^^■ 

'■•  .  ■  ,/ 

^s'       ■. 

W^i 

^ 

V 


w 


«* 


'.    / 


..•is; 

,  i 


■.teii 


■'  '■"-  j::  z*'i'^^'Kp^i'^^-y':!^'^*'''"-t:r 


■^^  ."•-■'''<«-*.•  •*^W»^».',     : 


i      'l 


!  W*.<!i(>i   ' 


II 


m 


I      !<■ 


fiAlioW'T.AKIC. 


I 


'.:i 


t  ! ,  I  . '      . '  ,  I  ^-     I  I  - ,       .]) 

'         'I      i  I     I.  '■! 


V  I    ,<.: 


I  li' 


I        :l 


Plate  LI.  Paoes  147,  148. 

AMERICAN  CROSSJilLL. 

Lt'tigth,  r>'2() 'iiclics.     Adult  ///,//,•,  (lull   red;  li;ick  hrownisli ;  wind's  ninl 

tail    hlackish.     Adult  ft-ma/,-  and  youiit;.   j^rccnisli ;    hack   itiort'  or   loss 

moU'iO'l  with  l)r()\viii.sli ;  tlio  iiiKicr  parts  j^'rayisli. 

PINE  GROSBEAK. 

Lonntli,  9-l()  iiiclu's.  Adult  mah\  rose-pink ;  hack  hrownisli;  lowor 
belly  gray  ;  wings  and  tail  brownish  black.  Adult  feimde  and  young,  gray  ; 
crown,  upper  tuil-co verts,  and  breast  washed  with  deep  yellow. 


COWBIRD. 


137 


Cowbird, 

2Iol<i(/iruf!  atcr. 
Plate  XL. 


Occasionally  Cowbirds  are  seen  during  the  winter 
near  New  York  city ;  but,  as  a  rule,  they  retire  farther 
south  at  this  seuK'  n,  and  are  first  ob- 
served there  in  t^he  spring  about  Marcli 
20.  They  do  not  come  in  large  flocks, 
but  singly  or  in  small  bands.  The  male  may  now  be 
seen  perched  in  an  exposed  position  on  a  treetop,  calling 
his  long-drawn-out,  glassy  linelc,  t-'ic-r-c.  Later,  when 
wooing  the  female,  he  utters  a  curious,  gurgling  note, 
resembling  the  sound  made  by  pouring  water  rapidly 
from  a  bottle,  and  accompanying  it  by  motions  ^vhieh 
suggest  extreme  nausea.  We  often  see  these  birds  feed- 
ing near  cattle  in  the  pastures,  always  in  small  flocks,  for 
they  do  not  pair  nor  even  construct  a  nest,  the  female  lay- 
ing her  egg  in  the  nest  of  another  and  generally  smaller 
species.  Few  birds  seem  aware  of  the  imposture,  and 
not  only  do  they  incubate  the  egg  but  they  may  attend 
to  the  demands  of  the  young  Cowbird  at  the  expense  of 
their  own  offspring,  who  sometimes  die  of  starvation. 
Even  after  leaving  the  nest  the  young  parasite  continues 
its  call  for  food,  and  when  seeing  a  Maryland  Yellow- 
throat,  or  some  other  small  bird  feeding  a  clumsy  fledg- 
ling twice  its  size,  one  wonders  it  does  not  detect  the  de- 
ception. The  better  Ave  know  birds  the  more  strongly 
are  we  impressed  with  their  individuality.  To  one  who 
has  no  friends  in  feathers  it  seems  pure  fancy  to  endow 
some  insignificant  "  Chippy  "  with  human  attributes ;  but 
in  reality  there  are  as  clearly  defined  characters  among 
birds  as  among  men.  To  be  convinced  of  the  truth  of 
this  statement  we  have  only  to  compare  the  Cowbird,  a 
thoroughly  contemptible  creature,  lacking  in  every  moral 
and  maternal  instinct,  with  the  bird  who  constructs  a  well- 
made  nest,  faithfully  broods  her  eggs,  and  cares  for  her 
young  witl\  a  devotion  of  which  mother  love  alone  is 

capable. 

20 


'4 


I 


138  SONG  SPARROW. 


Sparrows,  Finches,  etc.    (Family  Fringillid^.) 

Tliis,  the  largest  family  of  I)ir(l8,  contains  between  five 
hundred  and  fifty  and  six  hundred  species,  and  is  repre- 
sented in  all  parts  of  the  woi'ld  except  the  Australian  re- 
gion. Sparrows  are  tlie  evergreens  among  l)ird8.  When 
the  leaves  have  fallen  from  the  chestnut,  oak,  and  maple, 
the  hendock,  pine,  and  cedar  are  doubly  dear.  So,  when 
the  Flycatchers,  Warblers,  and  Thrushes  have  left  us,  the 
hardy  Sparrows  are  more  than  usually  welcome.  Feed- 
ing largely  on  seeds,  which  their  strong,  stout  bills  are 
especially  fitted  to  crush,  they  are  not  affected  by  the 
changes  in  temperature  which  govern  the  movements  of 
strictly  insectivorous  birds. 

Some  species  are  with  us  throughout  the  year,  some 
come  from  the  South  in  early  spring  and  remain  until 
snow  falls,  others  come  from  the  far  North  to  p^ss  the 
winter ;  so  that  at  no  season  of  the  year  are  we  without 
numbers  of  these  cheery  birds.  Fortunately,  some  of  our 
best  songsters  are  members  of  this  family.  Their  music 
is  less  emotional  than  that  of  the  Thrushes,  but  it  has 
a  happier  ring — the  music  for  every  day. 

It  is  the  Song  Sparrow  who  in  February  opens  the 

Song  Sparrow,        season   of   song,    and   it   is   the   Song 

Me/oK/iiza/asciata.     Sparrow  wlio    ill  November  sings  its 

rintc  XLi.  closing  notes  ;  nor,  except  during  a  part 

of  August,  has  his  voice  once  been  missing  from  the  choir. 

His  modest  chant  always  suggests  good  cheer  and 
contentment,  but  heard  in  silent  February  it  seems  the 
divinest  bird  lay  to  which  mortal  ever  listened.  The 
magic  of  his  voice  bridges  the  cold  months  of  early 
spring  ;  as  we  listen  to  him  the  brown  fields  seem  green, 
flowers  bloom,  and  the  bare  branches  become  clad  with 
softly  rustling  leaves. 


SWAMP  SPARROW. 


139 


rt'een  five 
is  repre- 
i-alian  re- 
i.  Wlien 
id  maple, 
So,  when 
ft  lis,  tlie 
;.  Feed- 
bilis  are 
d  bv  tlie 
ments  of 

3ar,  some 
ain  until 
p^ss  the 
without 
le  of  our 
3ir  music 
it  it  has 


pens  the 
le  Soni' 
sings  its 
ig  a  part 
le  choir, 
leer  and 
ems  the 
The 
of  early 
n  green, 
lad  with 


You  can  not  go  far  afield  without  meeting  this  singer. 
lie  is  not  only  our  connnonest  Sparrow,  but  one  of  our 
commonest  birds.  Generally  you  will  find  him  on  or 
near  the  ground  at  the  border  of  some  undergrowth, 
and  if  there  be  water  near  by,  preferably  a  meadow 
brook,  his  presence  is  assured.  When  flushed  he  will 
doubtless  make  for  the  nearest  thicket,  "  pumping "  his 
tail,  as  Thom])son  expressively  says,  in  describing  his 
somewhat  jerky  flight.  Now  he  quest',  mis  you  with  a 
mildly  impatient  chhtip  or  tt'inh,  a  call-note  not  to  l)e 
mistaken  for  that  of  any  other  species,  when  once  you 
have  learned  it.  Equally  diagnostic  is  the  bird's  spotted 
breast  with  one  larger  spot  in  its  center. 

The  Song  Sparrow's  nest  is  usually  placed  on  the 
ground,  but  sometimes  a  bush  may  be  chosen  for  a  nest- 
ing site.  The  eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  are  bluish 
white,  thickly  marked  with  reddish  brown.  The  Song 
Sparrow  rears  three  broods  each  year,  the  nesting  season 
lasting  from  May  to  August. 

The   Swamp    Sparrow,  a  well-named  cousin  of   the 

Song  Sparrow,  resend)les  his  I'elative  in  his  fondness  for 

Swamp  Sparrow       *'^^  vicinity  of  water  and  habit  of  tak- 

Melospiza  (jo.oriiiaiia.    iiig  rcfugc  in  low  cover.     He  is  a  true 

riiito  XI. IT.  marsh  or  swamp  bird,  and  is  particu- 
larly abundant  in  large  marshes.  His  call  is  an  insig- 
nificant cheep^  while  his  song  is  a  simple,  sweet,  but  rather 
monotonous  tweet-tweet-tweet,  repeated  many  times  and 
occasi(jnally  running  into  a  trill. 

The  Swamp  Sparrow  nests  from  northern  Illinois 
and  Pennsylvania  northward  to  Labrador.  Its  nest  and 
eggs  resemble  those  of  the  Song  Sparrow.  It  is  migra- 
tory in  the  northern  part  of  the  range,  and  is  rare  in  win- 
ter north  oi  southern  New  Jersc}'. 

Both  the  Song  and  Swamp  S])arrow  are,  as  we  have 
seen,  birds  of  the  lowlands,  though  the  latter  also  inhab- 


m 


I 


uo 


FIELD  SPARROW. 


■mi 


its  hlf]jlicr  <i;roun(l,  but  tlio  two  Sparrows  now  to  he  men- 
tioned arc  birds  of  the  uphiuds,  rarely  if  ever  living  in 
low,  wet  plaees. 

An  old  hillside  pasture,  dotted  with  young  cedars  or 

clumps  of  bushes,  in  which  he  may  place  his  nest,  is  the 

Field  Sparrow,        favorite   h<,me  of  the    Field  SpaiTOW. 

Sjihi'iia jni^Uia.       Here  you  may  look  for  him  early  in 

iMuteXLiii.  ^j,j.j|_  J lo  is"  a  rather  shy  bird,  who 
will  fly  t=onic  distance  when  alarmed,  and  then  alight  on 
a  bare  twig  near  or  at  the  top  of  some  bush  or  sapling. 
Very  dilferent  this  from  the  8ong  Sparrow's  way  of  div- 
ing into  a  bush. 

From  his  exposed  jiosition  he  watches  you  and  gives 
yon  an  equally  good  chance  to  watch  niin.  Note  the 
whitish,  unstreaked  breast,  the  I'cddish  brown  or  soi-rel 
crown,  the  gray  face  and  whitish  ring  about  the  eye,  and 
especially  the  pale  brownish  or  flesh-colored  bill.  These 
are  all  good  marks,  and  if  now  you  can  hear  hini  sing  his 
identity  will  be  settled  without  question.  His  song  is  one 
of  the  most  pleasing  I  know'.  It  is  very  simple  but  very 
expressive,  a  sweet,  jdaintive  chef-irct',  cher-v'e4\  chcr-wce^ 
i'heeo  dce-c-e-e-i\  wdiich  goes  straight  to  one's  heart.  It  is 
sung  most  freely  after  snnset,  and  is  in  keeping  with  the 
peacefulness  of  the  evening  hour.  At  this  time,  too,  the 
bird  seems  inspired  to  more  than  usual  effort,  and  its  or- 
dinary song  is  often  so  elaborated  and  jwjlonged  as  to  be 
scarcely  recognizable. 

The  song  season  ends  in  the  latter  part  of  August, 
and,  although  the  birds  are  with  us  until  November,  I 
have  rarely  heard  them  sing  in  the  fall. 

The  Vesper  Sparrow,  (irass  Finch,  or  Bay -winged 
Bunting — for  he  bears  all  three  names — prefers  more 
open  grounds  than  the  Field  Sparrt)W  selects.  There  is 
something  free  and  spirited  about  this  bird  and  its  song 
which  demands  space  for  its  proper  development.     No 


^  1)0  men- 
living  in 

cedars  or 
est,  is  tlio 

S[)arro\\'. 
1  early  in 
)ii'(l,   who 

iiliglit  on 
r  sapling, 
ay  of  div- 

and  gives 

Note  tlie 

or  sorrel 

J  eye,  and 

1.     These 

a  sing  his 

)ng  is  one 

hut  very 

chev-wec, 

irt.     It  is 

with  the 

too,  the 

d  its  or- 

as  to  be 

An  gust, 
ember,  I 


-winged 
Ts  more 
There  is 

its  song 
nt.     No 


Plate  LIII.  Page  149. 

PURPLE  FINCH. 

Length,  0-20  inohos.  Adit/t  male,  r()S('-j>iiik  ;  hack  hrownish  ;  lower  belly 
white;  no  wliitc  in  wings.  Adult  female  anJ  young,  upper  parts  streaked 
lirownisli  iiiul  gniyisli ;  under  parts  whit<>,  sti'eaked  with  brownish; 
bill  rounded  on  toi>;  a  tuft  of  bristly  feathers  over  the  nostrils. 


VESPElt  SPAKIIOW. 


\ 


Voiiptir  Sparrow, 

I'miCiilis  (jriiiiiiiii  lis. 
I'lutoXLl''. 


swninp  or  tliicket  will  do  for  liiiii,  hut  in  fjrcfvt  broad  field 
lie  is  at  home.  If  ii  roadway  leads  through  his  liaunts, 
you  may  often  see  liim  on  the  ground 
ahead  of  you,  and  v/hen  he  fiies  the 
white  feathers  shown  on  cither  side  of 
liis  tail  will  give  you  an  excellent  clew  to  his  identity. 
Probably  he  will  fiy  on  ahead  a  little  way  and  alight 
again  in  the  road,  or  a  longer  ilight  may  lead  him  to  a 
neighboring  fence  or  the  upper  branches  of  a  more  dis- 
tant tree.  It  is  from  positions  of  this  kind  that  he  most 
often  sings.  With  him  song  is  evidently  a  matter  of  im- 
portance, lie  can  not.  'i!cc  many  birds,  sing  !)etween  the 
mouthfuls  of  a  meal,  but  ascending  to  his  perch  he  gives 
perha])s  half  an  hour  entirely  to  music,  resting  motionless 
between  the  intervals  of  each  song. 

It  is  impossible  to  satisfactorily  describe  this  song. 
It  resend)les  that  of  the  Song  Sparrow,  but  is  finer  and 
wilder.  It  opens  with  one  low  note,  followed  by  two 
higher  ones,  while  the  Song  Sparrow  begins  with  three 
notes,  all  of  the  same  kind. 

The  Vesper  Sparrow  is  migratory,  coming  to  us  witli 
the  Field  Si)arrow  early  in  April  and  remaining  until 
November.  Its  nost  is  placed  on  the  ground,  and  the 
bluish  or  pinkish  white  si)eckled  eggs  are  laid  early  in 
May. 

It  is  strange,  is  it  not,  tliat  the  only  bird  we  all  detest 

should  also  be  the  oidy  one  wlio  insists  on  sharing  our 

homes  with  us.     The  House  or  English 

ouBe  parrow,       Sparrow,  is  a  product  of  the  times;  a 
remarkably  keen-witted  bird,  who,  like 
a  noxious  weed,  thrives  and  increases  whore  a  less  hardy 
species  could  not  exist. 

This  harsh-voiced  little  gamin  soon  detects  and  avoids 
anything  like  a  systematic  attempt  to  entrap  him,  and, 
being  productive  past  all  belief,  seems  likely  to  completely 


142 


CIITPPINO   SPAUnoW. 


Jr  ;i'i 


!i:f  i 


overrun  tlio  land.  Ifo  wns  introduced  into  this  country 
in  |sr>l,  and  in  1S70  waH  f(»und  oidy  in  tlie  cities  of  tlio 
Atlantic  States.  Now  lie  li;is  spread  over  the  greater 
part  of  tlie  I'nited  States  and  Canada. 

If  he  were  ri'stricted  to  the  cities  we  should  liavi*  only 
his  nevcr-ceasinji',  maddening  chatter  and  our  soiled  walls 
to  complain  of;  hut  he  has  invaded  not  only  the  towns 
and  villa;:;es  and  the  neii,dd)orin<^  houses,  hut  visits  also 
our  grain  fields  and  fruit  orchards,  our  woods  and  marshes. 
Ko  eifective  method  for  his  externunation  has  heen  de- 
vised, and  I  fear  we  must  acce[)t  the  Sparrow  as  a  penalty 
for  the  shortsightedness  and  ignorance  which  permitted 
us  to  meddle  with  the  laws  of  Nature. 

If  wo  except  this  ever-]»rescnt  nuisance  the  Chippy 
is  the  most  domestic  of  our  S[)arrows,     lie  seems  thor- 

Chlpping  Sparrow,      ••"f.'l'lv  '^^  •'<'"»^*  »'"»"t  oiir  doorsteps;  a 
Sju':,/i, I  s„r;, !/;.■<.       contented,  modest  little  hird   who  ap- 
l'lattXr.\.  j)arently  tries   hard   to   helieve  in    the 

goodness  of  human  nature,  even  though  he  meets  with 
hut  little  enccuiragement.  One  wonders  why  he  has  not 
long  ago  given  up  the  attenqjt  to  make  friends  with  us, 
so  rarely  do  we  show  any  appreciation  of  his  advances. 
The  house  cat  is  Chippy's  chief  enemy.  Crouching  and 
crawling,  waiting  and  watching,  she  misses  no  opportunity 
to  pounce  on  an  unsuspecting  hird.  It  is  sur])rising  that 
any  escape.  But  each  si)ring,  ahout  Ai)ril  l(»,  the  Chi})py 
comes  hack  to  us  after  a  winter  in  the  cotton,  corn,  and 
hroom-sedge  fields  of  the  South,  an<l  soon  we  hear  his 
unpretentious,  nionotoiU)Us  thqqxi-ch ij>2>t/'^'^'^U'l'!/i  I'l'H'y 
times  repeated,  and  occasioiudly  running  into  a  grasshoj)- 
jierlike  trill. 

Ahout  a  month  later  we  may  fiiul  furtlijr  evidence  of 
liis  too  often  mis])laced  trust  in  a  neat,  hair-lined  nest 
liuilt  in  the  vines  on  the  veranda  or  a  neighhoring  tree. 
The  eggs  are  unexpectedly  pretty,  a  hright  hlue  or  hluish 


Mi   i 


lis  country 
;iL'H  (if  tlio 
lio  jfroiitiT 


liiivc  only 

ioik'd  wills 

till!   towiirt 

visitrt  also 

t(l  iimrslies. 

IS  boon  (lu- 

H  tl   |KMllllty 

pcniiitted 


•/•3^'^ 
% 


'*^. 


liC!  Cliijipy 

st'L'iiis  tlior- 

iH)rstei)s;  a 

(1   who  iip- 

L've  in    tliu 

imc'cts  with 

le  has  not 

ri  with  us, 

udviinccs. 

hiii^  and 

)poi'tunity 

isinj^  tliat 

le  ('hii)i)y 

corn,  and 

hear  his 

Y>//,  many 

grasshop- 

,'idonce  of 

inc'd  nest 

)ring  tree. 

!  or  bhiish 


...•,^^ 


*i 


% 


1  v 


•.#"' 


*    'J^S.1^ 


.1  '<'  ■-•''[.  '  h 


♦  ! 


■ 


^y^^y^^v^*' 


■■S'^^"^^,*'ft''*^ffr'^  " 


.      \ 


tk 


CniPIMXO   SrAKROW, 


«i\('iriin  tlii^  ii'i'i.  He  Wiis  ii)ti-o-liic(.  ,1  inru  tlii  -  <'iMnit.i7(' 
in  l';"'i,  :tvi'l  in  l>Tt'  w.;-  i'liiiiMl  diiiy  iii  tli''  li'ics  ■•.!'  t\\v 
AlLiliii'     St:  ',>>.       Nii'.v    In:    iliis    sprc.l'l    <»\"!'    sKij.    j^'tviiku' 

•jitj-t  .m'  I'.io  {"nitfi!  Siuto'-  mill  * '.tii,ii|;i. 

If  ill'  wi'i'o  ri^friclu'il  tu  ilu-  ritir,,  wi  ^imtil'i'  hiivc  .mNv. 
his  iirvi  !'<'t'ii>iiii:'.  inM-iili'i'iiiii  ciiutU'r  nui  t-iir    '■ili:(l  w'.ill-! 

to  ('<'Ui[iMi'!  i'|- ,  !)Vil  ')0  !' ;•■  iii.udc':  i;>.'t  >'!il\  'in-  t-.-A'u.; 
■'.:ul  \  iiiii'j*.'?.  'in.i  till'  !it;i.' :-''"''iiiV  'Mil;--.-,  'pHI  \isib5  ;ils<t 
•  •::r  ■j'l'iii'!  i'n'KI- H'l'i  iViiit  ci-.'ii:  I  . '.i;r  \\  I'.il,-,  jui..!  ih:;!'-iu's. 

No  i';r.'"nvt'    tiu-:t!'«!    for    il-    fM>-t'lnill:Uioii     llUS  l.ii,'(;)l    (ii- 

\  i-i'il,  ;in<!  1  ten'  ■■•>•.   iiHi..'    .     •'pi  I  lie  Sp;^■;■ll\^  ;;«  ii  n'Mii'lv 

(oi-  tl'o  :~hon:,i-l  ;./i!no-'.  .'■■.!  i'jlt.ilMllC;'  \S  il'u'll  p-.M'"li!tOtl 
ii?  to  int'ldl'-  ^^itll  rlu:  !- u  -  ■.(    \::ti.li'.. 

It'  \\i    <'\ci-pi,  ;lii->  !•'■.)   jwi;:-'tii    i:i;i>!iii<v  tlif  (  ioppv  . 
!■■'   tVk,'    iii'-l<l  iiK'sfn     .  .     •■■u    :'"^>^,i\^\■>l\\^~.      I  !<•:-(  i-ui- tin. f 
i.ii'jt  '     ■'.:  •iiwiii;    ;:i'.'iit  out'  '!i">r.-(t'p-^ :   ;i 
't'lUH    :i''     .    Mio'h'-i    titflo    li:i':!    ■.",!u.i    ;ip 
piiiToi  V    ;rh',-;    lijint    !>■    la/liovc    in    lln' 
L'.iu.ino  >  i.'f  liMiD.-'fi  it.ii'i  •        Nt'ii   tliou.ih   }:(.-   ini'ct--  with 
i'lit    lii  tic  I'll.'. >i.:-:it:i'itu'i>?       * '■•io  N^'Mnior-  why  lio  Im-.  tin.; 

lo?!!^;    mXO    Ul'ill    Up    tliO    :'lti!upl    tf    !l..-ki'   {'ricMtls  \',  iili   ll->. 

...,  ••'r.'l',   no  \v<-  "liiAv    j,.tt>  ;ippn<-^'ti'.:t   '■!.   Iii>  iAihaiiccs. 

Ti'.f  "fUMlM-   I  ill     is   (.'ilippv*-   cii'ci     I'lUlliV.        (  'fourhillii'    "im! 

'  fiwliiiir.  w.-titintr  ;i!'i|  w-.lu  \\'.U'.'.  .<\h'  i  ii-«\-  no  t.>ppotiui!ii  y 

t('  jioiiDc-f  oi.  ;i[i  iiii^ii:-pi;':  i.i.L'"   !'hu.      I'  i>  •^'.;i'|iri-in;i' '  iiiii; 

am' cf^-'Jijio.     i tilt  cjii-l  ,~i>.'in'T.  iili'.ii!   .\pri'  !'i,  ilioi  ■''j'|'> 

(•"lurs  !i;' k    !o  iH  aflc."  ;i  '\un,'|-   i.i  'iio  f.ri.'ii.  ('ora,  aiui 

liVoi  ^!ii  ,-<.   li^'   tii'ldi-'    o''  tin-    "^I'slli.  upii   ,-o.Mt    V.  I'  iioar   ioh 

viiipri-iontici'.:.-,   tnotfloHiM.'-   ./■/ jij •/-(•/•</)/[>/-■  /''/>/';/,  iiiiuiv 

!,nic>  r''p(-iT>'i,l.  ■,:fu]  •",  ".itioiud'v  I'tr.'niiii;  into  ;i  ^nishhop- 

;>i'i-]iki;  (rill.    • 
I 

Al'oiit  ii  oioiilli  |;',!i'l  \<"i  Mi.^i  riini  twrtli'i"  1".  itleiio''  o! 
Ii'~  t(Hi  I'l.'U'n  ^li^p^J!<'i■'i  Vw^.'  'u  ;>  I'lid.  ir,;;;'  'iiioil  no.-.l 
l.iiiir  ][:  till  \'mi"~  I'h  flu-  voi'mihIh  "I"  ;\  in-i:.;'lil>Mrni;.''  !)•>:.('. 
I'u:  ''■''u'-'  lU'''  :::;o\iir( '(':l!'    !nt;tt\,ri  ]rri;j,;,i  lilui:  or  Iihusli 


Chippill!-'  S:'-»rtrvW 

■V    ■<■'   -■'■•■' 


r^    ,:\     tilt' 

ji'ivc  ..nk. 
.lk:(l  w-.ilh 
•in-  t..\vu.i 
\  i,-ill;!  wis. > 
1  ii.::i'-lu'S. 

:-     <     i.llPV. 
I  l-i|l>    llll  •}• 

i<'i-i-t('i''- :  ;i 
I  ■.',■! HI  i! I'- 
ve ill  lii' 
i.c'i'!-  will) 

•iS  111),; 

■,il(  ll->, 
i(!v;iiiti'~. 

liUii"    :'!!(! 

."ii'liiisil  y 

"I'll,  a'-ui 
iu-ur  ills 
./,  iiii'.iiy 

111'''  ul 

"■■"i-.'"  fri.:f'. 
li!ui,-ii 


Plate  LIV.  Page  150. 

ROSE-BREASTED  OROSnEAK. 

Longth,  8-10  inchos.  Ai/tdi  male,  crown  and  l)fi('k  black;  ninip  white; 
throat  black ;  breast  rowc-rcd  ;  belly  white.  Adult  fi'inak,  ui)i)er  parts 
dark  brown  and  buff;  a  white  line  over  eye ;  under  parts  buffy,  streaked 
with  brownish ;  under  wing-coveits  orange. 


WHITE-THEOATED  SPARROW. 


143 


green,  spotted,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  with  cinnamon- 
brown  or  blackish  markings. 

Up  to  this  time  the  Chippy  has  given  us  a  good  oppor- 
tunity to  see  his  chestnut  cap  and  black  forehead,  but 
when  the  nesting  season  is  over  he  will  change  these  for 
a  cap  to  match  his  coat,  and  with  others  of  his  kind  gather 
in  old,  weedy  fields,  remaining  there  until  cold  weather 
drives  him  southward. 

About  the  time  of  the  first  frost  a  new  Sparrow  will 

appear  in  the  hedgerows  and  thickets   and  the  under. 

Whit  thr   ted  growtli  of  the  woods.     Tlie  white  patch 

Sparrow    on  his  throat  may  aid  in  his  identifica- 

Zonotrichia  aibicoiUs.  lion  as  the  Wliite-tliroated  Sparrow,  a 

Plato  XL\  I.  Northern  bird  who  in  the  summer 
nests  from  northern  ]^ow  England  northward,  and  in 
Vv'inter  is  found  from  southern  New  England  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico. 

He  is  disposed  to  be  rather  quiet  for  several  days 
after  liis  arrival,  and,  beyond  a  few  low  notes  addressed 
to  his  companions,  has  little  to  say ;  but  if  you  whistle 
to  him  even  a  poor  imitation  of  his  song,  nearly  every 
bird  in  the  company  will  hop  up  from  the  tangle  of 
branches  and,  perching  on  the  outer  twigs,  look  for  the 
friends  who  called.  Perhaps  some  may  essay  a  tremulous 
response,  but  for  a  week  or  more  they  will  make  few  at- 
tempts to  sing.  Later,  you  will  hear  the  sweet,  plaintive 
notes  that  give  to  this  bird  the  name  Peabody-bird. 

The  White-throat's  call-notes  are  a  low  tseep  and  a 
very  characteristic  sharp  chinh,  which  has  been  well 
likened  by  Mr.  Bicknell  to  the  sound  of  a  marble  cut- 
ter's chisel.  At  this  season  the  White-throats  roost  to- 
gether in  flocks  of  varying  size,  and  if  you  chance  to  be 
near  their  home  at  bedtime  you  will  hear  this  chinl')  note 
given  as  a  "quarriers'  chorus."  Finally,  as  the  gloom 
deepens,  it  will  cease,  and  from  the  dark  depths  of  the 


144 


POX  SPARROW. 


'I       1 


tliickct  will  come  only  the  cozy,  contented  twitterings  of 
the  birds  wishing  one  another  good  night. 

The  interest  with  which  one  examines  a  flock  of  White- 
throated   Sparrows  is  intensified  by  the   probability  of 

__  .^  ,  findiiiij;  their  distinmiished  relative  the 

White-crowned  .   «^  ^^ 

Sparrow  White-crown.  In  the  A[ississip})i  Val- 
Zohotr'ichia  ley  he   is   often   common,  but  ui   the 

hucophryx.  ^^lantic  States  he  is  sufHciently  rare 
to  be  a  character  of  importance. 

The  White-crown  differs  from  the  White-throat  in 
having  no  wliite  on  the  throat,  which,  hke  the  brea^ .;,  is 
gray,  and  in  having  the  space  before  the  eye  black  in- 
stead of  yellow  or  white.  In  the  fall  his  crown  is  brown, 
with  a  paler  line  through  its  center. 

Near  New  York  city  1  look  for  the  White-crowji 
in  September  and  October,  and  again  about  May  15. 
Thomi)sou  describes  its  song  as  "•like  the  latter  half  of 
the  White-throat's  familiar  refrain,  repeated  a  number 
of  times  with  a  peculiar  sad  cadence  and  in  a  clear,  soft 
whistle." 

Some  fine  day  about  the  middle  of  IVfarch  you  may 
hear  a  »o\m  so  unlike  any  vou  have  ever  heard,  that  be- 
fore  the  singer  ceases  you  will  know 


Fox  Sparrow, 

/((wi  ri'lln  il'-'.i'a. 

riiito  XL VI'. 


vou  are  on  the  verge  of  a  disc(  'c 


The  song  is  loud,  exceedingly  e      r 
and  varied.     Its  richness  of  tone  seems  to  accentuate  . 
bleakness  of  the  bird's  surroundings.     It  is  a  song  fc 
sunnuer,  not  for  leafless  spring;  but  heard  at  this  sea- 
son it  seems  all  the  more  attractive,  and  with  pleasurable 
excitement  you  hasten  toward  the  second  growth,  near 
the  border  of  which  tiie  bird  is  perched.     His  large  size 
and  bright  reddish  brown  upper  parts  readily  distinguisii 
him  from  other  Sparrows,  and,  in  connection  witi.   his 
spotted  breast,  give  him  a  general  resemblance  to  a  Hermit 
Thrush,  for  which  bird  he  is  sometimes  mistaken ;  but  a 


*»WI<F-*'(«''5*'^  '^«'«r«itw».HM«».>i 


terings  of 


of  White- 
Kibility  of 
lativo  the 
rtippi  Yal- 
ut  m  the 
LMitly  rare 

i-throat  in 

3  l)reasj,  is 

black  iu- 

i  is  brown, 

liite-crown 
t  Mav  15. 
ter  half  of 
a  niunber 
clear,  soft 


'■W> 


.;t 


^^ 


*^M-- 


\ 


V"   1 


V      ' 


I  yon  may 

3,  that  be- 

will  know 

disci  '0'    . 

■ly  s     ., 

tnate  . 

song  fo 
this  sca- 

easnrablo 
)wth,  near 

large  size 

ietinf^uisii 
witi;  hii^ 

a  Ilerniit 

en ;  bnt  a 


I 


■^.^■ 


'^1 


-r-r-i.i  .-»V.i' ..f  =J.— «   ■■-'.:. ■l~' 


'■:  -TWrMiv:rr 


h 


i 


f  ■-^. 


144 


VOX  swwin^rx. 


\[\U'.k>'t  wiil  n>nje  t.<r.iy  tlm  r-'/.y,  '''riu-iiriii  rv  ilteriiii:;^  '.)i" 
flic  liii'iln  vvt.s]iiii_j^  ""'-■  jniDtlii'i'  ;i:!.'.Hi  iiij^l'* 

'j  'it-  'iMcie'rtt  ivitl)  w'iiifh  iin'-  (■.-.utiiiliiris  ;i  lli'fiv  ol'  Wisitu- 

fl!ri/iifi,';i     Sj);irn.>vvH    is    intfiiv<ilii'i '     •"■•    the.     jir.  i!;.;i!  ilily    itf 

_^^.  ,       ■      1i;)()iii'i;  linir  •|i:-iiii;niiv)it' !    riliiv'r   t\\v. 

Sijairow,    ^Vhitc-iT'iv"  IS,      ]i|  i!;(>   A! i^si,■  .<ii>ni   \'al- 

/.•»..■./;•.■..'.■■!  l'.\     iii>     is     Mt'fcii     (•'  liillli'Ii,     I'llf     ll)     iIjc 

'""■'■''""•'''    Arluiir-.i     -'Mr.'     in     is    -ijtli'M.  ntly  rnro 
t<!  !k'  a  e!i:ir;u't<!''    ■*  imp  ••';!•  <• 

Til"  \\'t;if<-i  'c'.tu  diir."  ■  ir.MM  I'lO  White  liir.-'tf'  in 
Jli'viui;  no  ■.'hit"  "■'  Ou  l'W''.:t.  m].:;!',  iil.r  r.ii(.-  l)r<*.i-l,  i.s 
L'i''iv.  !'■>:  '  ill  !i.-ii',.r  •!<■  'I'M  I'  ;  ''t.i'-»>  tin.-  <'\i'  iilack  m- 
^ti.>;>'i  v.'"'  ;.  'iitw  Ol   ,''!''^--       In  ''  ••  '  lil  lii-  '  i".\'n  i-;  i.|-c)-\'!i, 

\k'vAi   ii    |in|;-{'    iiliU    wliwlt'         It,   r/,   .,11   f, 

Nc.*'  N<  XV  Y  /!■■.  •.  1  !«."!-.  I'.r  till'  \i'l\!N'-cn'W!i 
iil  SejHfn.'iiit'i"  .ii'.i.i  ''  ■"-  :ir|ii  ii.j':nK  ;■.''(  ii  May  1  ■">. 
'Ihoinjwn  <io:-'''"'^'C-  i:-  -  ';,■  .■-  "  i;l<  ■  :Iu'  l.iflcf  inli  i^1 
t'l.!  WhitP-ihriM!-'  ''.!';, iJ'iH  :  r  ii,  'tpM-ti.!!  c.  tHiin!)i  r 
of    (i!?;i.::    .•  Uti  a  ,it^. 'jsii.^r  />;i'i  •■iuL.'.i:'.!  Uliu    IH  il   clciii",   >'oii 

\vlii.srlf'." 

Huuv   tiiK   <!.!\  iihti.j*    I'.A     a'iililK'  if    jl:m=li  you  uiiiy 

■•*;ir  a  «">((£/  .-"  i>i!'ii<t    Huv    M  ',•    ■'  ■,.'•   ('Vt'i-  lnvnd,  tjt.'f    !><'. 

F«3pturDW,  ''•■^■''   ^^=<'   "^^^'^-^     "  ■"■^    .^'""    '^■'"    '^""■'' 

/!r^..^,•:'■  I  ,./-;-..'.         vwii    :ji       Mil    t!  '•    vcfT'    '■!    ;i    vil--'  •.  t;;-'. 

i-!:li-  \y/   ii.  'J-Ij^.     ^,       ...     ...      l,.,„i       ,.■„.,  ,.(jitS!;iv      -Wf-t, 

nnd  V'U'H>ii.  f*>  !-irl:rv(V.  *•;  h  'i-  -'.''m  ■  !•)  i'-''t'iitn;i<o  tho 
Mi'iikiHVK ',)1.'  tilt:  iiii'ii'^  -.liriMWiiiiu-;'.-^.  it  i.  a  sun'i-  tor 
i?1iiiH)!t'r.  ii.,t  fui'  t>nti.--r.  --  ■!";£.  I'lit  iie.'inl  ;U  ihi.-  >'e;i- 
SO!)  it  K'l  !i!s  al!  the  iudvj:  ;!';!•:(.  imi'.  ;t;sil  \vif!i  piv\-i'ur;il(K> 
(.•veitcmoiji    you    iia.-.tvii   '"W  i;  i   :lif   -.:  ■iMid   i-Tiiutii,  neur 


thf   iM)!"di'r  el'   wiiii'is  t's"- 


i:ii    i     '-    i"'|-';ilC 


?'.:•!  liri;r!ri.  r(.'(l'ri>ii  '  i-"\s  f:  lijUi.;;-   , 


11  In    >.-iV-j:-'    .-I/l' 

:i:'t.-  !'-;Hii;y  <ii:-t;niiiii:'!i 
i.uii  f;-.;!!!  Mtn<';-  '■■i>urri- .■.-  •(;  't,  i!i  r.t:iM('>"ti'>li  v.iii'  i^H 
r-j.(.tfr'(i  il  ■!  ..Kf.  -riv.-  liim  ■.  ,',>  'it'i-al  ro.'inl>!:iii';-c  l-i  .i  iioi-i;rl 
TLiahli,  bir  uhici!  i>ir<l   hv  in  MMiu'tiuii.'-  nii.-tai.r;i  •   '..(.'.  :i. 


■hllivf     tlV! 

iwr   lit    tiif 
•  thr.'Mt:  in  . 


hliw'k   iM- 


1    l-<    l.l'u.VM, 

]i ',!',' -en 'Wii 

i    Mi.y    !.\ 

U-r  iiiiii'  I'i 

('   tUiinbi  ! 

Cl'JMJ",    ^'uft 

•U    iiKiy 
t))a'    l)C 

'■.'i!'   amm.'v" 
■  I--.  ■•  ..-rN 

•  AV»-'.-tj 

;i(o  :he 
.!!;;■  liT 
L'i.-  ^C'.'i- 

!i,  iieitr 
'■•"■'  .-i/.i' 

■.  iii'    1  H 


Plate  LV.  Paoe  mi. 

TOWHEE. 

Lciif^th,  H-'.\')  iiichoss.  .-/,//^//  W(7/,'.  upper  pfirts,  tliroiit.  iiiiil  lircnsi  lilack; 
hclly  wliit(>;  siili's  reddish  hiowii.  Adiill  J'cmal,-.  siiuilar,  Ijul  lilaek  re- 
placed by  brownish. 


■  'lit 


JUNCO. 


145 


glance  at  his  short,  stout  bill  at  once  shows  his  family  rela- 
tionships, and  you  should  have  no  ditHculty  in  identifying 
him  as  the  Fox  Sparrow. 

A  month  later  he  will  leave  us  for  his  sununer  home 
in  the  far  North,  but  in  October  and  November  his 
ringing  notes  may  again  be  heard  as  he  pauses  a  day  or 
two  on  his  journey  southward. 

After  the  Fox  Sparrows  go,  our  bird-life  is  reduced  to 
its  winter  elements — that  is,  permanent  residents  and  win- 
Junoo  *®^  visitants.     Of  the  latter  the  Junco 

junco  iii/anniii:  ov  Slate-colorcd  Suowbird  is  the  com- 
Pinto  XLViii.  nionest  and  most  generally  distributed. 
Although  we  call  this  bird  a  winter  visitant,  he  is  with 
us  nearly  eight  months  in  the  year,  arriving  late  in  Sep- 
tember and  remaining  until  early  May. 

The  Junco  is  one  of  the  birds  whose  acquaintance  can 
be  easily  made.  His  suit  of  slaty  gray,  with  its  low-cut 
vest  of  white,  is  not  worn  by  any  other  of  our  birds ;  and 
while  some  species  show  white  outer  tail-feathers  in  flight, 
the  Junco's  seem  to  be  more  than  usually  conspicuous. 

Except  when  nesting,  Juncos  associate  in  loose  flocks 
of  from  ten  to  fifty.  Generally  you  will  find  them  feed- 
ing on  the  ground  near  evergreens,  into  which,  when  dis- 
turbed, they  will  fly  vdi\\  a  twittering  note.  If  they  are 
excited  by  your  appearance  you  will  hear  a  sharp,  kissing 
call ;  but  if  unalarmed  they  will  utter  a  rapidly  repeated 
oheio-chew-ehew,  expressive  of  the  utmost  contentment. 
In  March  and  April,  before  leaving  for  their  summer 
home  in  northern  New  England  or  the  crests  of  the 
Alleghanies  and  Catskills.  the  Juncos  sing  a  simple  trill 
or  low,  twitte_  ing  warble,  Modest  in  manner  and  attire, 
there  is  nothing  of  especial  interest  in  the  .Tunco's  habits, 
and  only  bird-lovers  can  understand  what  a  difference  his 
presence  makes  in  a  winter  landscape.     It  brings  a  sense 

of  companionship ;  it  is  a  link  between  us  and  Nature. 
21 


■'■Tl 


140 


TREK  SPARROW  AND   RKDPOLI,. 


i)! 


i'r 


i->  * 


I    !1: 


The  bird's  clit'ory  twitter  is  as  welcome  as  a  ray  of  sim- 
liglit  oil  a  cloudy  day. 

With  the  .Iiiiico.'^  we  may  often  find  a  compaTiy  of 
Tree  Sparrows  or  Winter  Chippies.     They  reseinhle  our 

Tree  Sparrow,  familiar  ('hii)pin<j;  Sparrow,  hut  the 
spi:,iUi  i,i'ii,ti,;ita.     hiaekish    dot    in    the    center  of   their 

I'liiii' M.ix.  hreasts  is  a  u;oo(l  diKtin<j;uishintr  mark. 
Then,  too,  tlie  true  Chippies  all  leave  for  the  South  in 
Novemher,  while  the  Winter  (/hip[)ies  come  in  October 
and  remain  until  ^Vpril. 

Tree  Sparrows  are  sociable  birds,  with  a])pareutly  the 
best  of  dispositions.  They  are  usually  found  in  small 
conn)anies,  eacli  member  of  which  seems  to  have  some- 
thin<4'  to  say.  Watch  them  feeding;  on  an  old  weed  stalk 
left  uncovered  by  the  snow.  It  bends  beneath  the  \veii:;ht 
of  half  a  (U)/.en  birds,  but,  far  from  attem])tin<;- to  rob  one 
another,  they  keej)  up  a  conversational  chatter  bespeaking 
the  utmost  good  fellowship.  Too-Jfi-lt^  too-lCi-it^  each  one 
calls,  and  1  liave  oidy  to  rcrnendier  this  note  to  bring 
clenrly  to  mintl  a  bright  winter  nu)rning  with  the  fresh 
snow  crystids  sparkling  in  the  sunshine,  and  in  the  dis- 
tance a  tinkling  chorus  of  Tree  Sparrows  at  breakfast. 

Another  winter  associate  of  the  Juuco's,  and  an  inti- 
mate friend  of  the  Tree  Sparrow's,  is  the  Redpoll,  Red- 
EedpoU  P"^^    Linnet,   or,   as  lie   is    sometimes 

Amiit/ax  /iiHD'ia.  called,  Iled-capped  Chipi)y.  The  Red- 
PiaU'L.  p,,]|   ,^(,^|.^  |,j  t],g  fj,j.   ]ST(jj.th,  and  the 

extent  of  his  southern  journeys  depends  very  much  niion 
the  supply  of  food  he  finds  in  his  winter  wanderings. 
"When  there  are  seeds  in  abundance  noith  of  the  United 
States,  we  do  not  see  many  of  these  birds,  but  if  the 
larder  fails  they  may  come  into  Xew  England  in  great 
numbers,  and  a  few  may  \  enture  as  far  south  as  Virginia. 
One  can  not  tell,  therefore,  when  to  expect  them,  but  it 
is  well  to  be  on  the  lookout  from  November  to  March. 


y  of  sun- 

npuny  of 

iiihlc  (»iir 

hut    the 

of   their 

nji'  mark. 

South  in 

I  October 

•ently  tlie 
ill  siiiiill 
ive  wmie- 
iX'c'd  stiilk 
he  weiiijlit 

0  rob  one 
L;speaking 
,  each  one 

to  brinij; 
tlic  fresh 

1  the  (lis- 
ikfast. 

1  an  inti- 

oll,  Red- 

iinctinies 

le  Tved- 

and  the 

•h  upon 

iderinijs. 

United 

it  if  the 

in  jrreat 

'irginia. 

II,  !)ut  it 

larch. 


r 


1 


r^  I 


n : 


Ti>l''i;    SI' MM;. /A     AM)    tJI:ni'(»i 


$. 


Till      'lii'il',.    CM.'rn    lUI'ti*-    '      ;4.     Wl  I'Mtiif    i;'  ,1    M\'     •('     -i)l| 
'!_'!i!    Mil   ,1    cli'il'l  V   .l',\ 

^\  'ill    • .'  <       '/lie..'    \s  M     i!;i\     wt'.,,    lii-i'    ri    ci'-^naiiv    .»( 


<■,;•■    •'■1-,-i.r;        ,,[■    *\'  i'lU'l'   '  'III 


i'l'" 


il"\    ri'-r,i,.'.|.-    i.i'i 


Ti'.''-  Hl.'U.  :i.-v. 


ri 


'  '  111:;  11  t  ^'I'l''''  •■^j'.'(T'iv,',  !iij!  i '  » 
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■■;•  .f  !■-  ,1  -■-'•'  i.i  ■•I'.L,  ii.-Im');:  iinil. 
"I  ■•',''.>  : '  I  I  (  .  ;|.]>i.  .-  :i'.|  i- 1  r  i'l-r  ;  !m  ■'^  it'i  c 
'vi'  '  ii'x".  •,*  '.•'  •  till'  \Vi:i((  r  (  h'l''*'-  <  ii;ii'  im  *  \  '..'..  r 
ii'l   I .   ,'  ;p;    Ml  , ,  i   .A  !i!  il. 

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I      ''.:    '    ■      t             '  '*  1    '',•,,'  .  .'n.;!/  i.!i  .,'1   .Mil    i\-,"    I   -III; 

i         ill.-. .\  !■  ■    '  '   ,  •  ,     \       ':     'Mil!-  In"! I  ;i!i:  rir    \,oi'j!ir 

•I'   '  '.';        1      ■.  '    !'  .  "i:.  I  .;■  i           ,1,  'I  >  iiii  '11'  H)  /..;i  ,iin 

.  '''il    -,       •       :  •■■  ;•  ;;-          .  !    .  .  ,  ■■    .    I'm'  ■  l.'.'li      \<.  -jm  .i|.i|;^ 

'ill       'i";!!!!    1     .'l.-l     I      ii.'V,  ll.i ',■  i    ■"      hi     if .    f'l"    1(1  -  li,    y    (I'll    iMIl- 

'  kI-.    "'-^  I    I    Imvc     .iiix    to    r,  I'll  ii'i"'!'   r!ii..-    !m:i-    t,.   i.'i.i- 

'•'•'i.^    I"    'liWi':    .1    Itr:;.',:;  wiiiJii    i''iili;.';  w  if,!i    l;ii     Irt-Ii 

sill.,'    ■i-.st;ii-.    -[m:'i  :.!!•,;    i'l    tlic    -ii'   -'ciic,  ':'|i!    ;ii    r';.:i:;- 

M;i'''      .1     I  Ml!    '    'i'.;    ••!..  0-|).     ,    '     'r  M-"    ^j  !..!•'•   iVVr    lir    'n  l     ll,  !    ,'  '■ 

\ -I..'!,!'!'  \\  iiif- '   'i/'.fi    ,:■      ■'    ri"      iiiiir.."^    Mil!  ..Il  !!iii 
!  i.iti'   i  ''ii   "I      ;    ;!ir   i',  I'     >i(iu  I' . .\    .       :'ii.-  u'  ! ."  '!.  '!cv'- 

lii'opf.ll,  I'l'".   .   I.ri.tir' .     'If.      '.       \\y     )-        .'li..  iililr- 

(■.•i!ii  \,  I;.  ■!     iiMH ,|  !  '";•!'* ■     Tii'    ('"  ; 
■         '  •"  li    (11  -t-    i',    tl.c    I  ,:•    N.^rth,   ami   ilu- 

''  -.l-  'l'    ''I      lifi   Mlli'li  ).i|itUi   ic   ,1.    |,,  ||,;k    V  I   ;■  ,     iitili'ii    t)i.:i|: 

!'■'•  -nvfh    ill    :iHi,;    're   tin,]-;   .ii    ],,-   m.,iT''|'   •. \" nil. i> ■rill y-- 
^■'*  ii'-i;  iiu'  '     ii>    -v^■ll.•^  i)!  ;iii!iiii''iti'-.'   :r';-'!i     if   ni.'  [  nirnl 

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r.i>l.".;ll!-|     Hi     ■..  I'l-il 

'^iii'i-i'i       '  Til.  ;[i.r-l'.ri\  w ':•  Il  I  '  .  d  »•<■(    llici:!.  Lii,    j 

■  '    .Vl,il    ((.   l.;    ;i;,    !!;(■    ii,_,h.  ,ii;    t.-.  i|i!    NwWhilii  I    t-i    '.'['V:   li 


I 


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1  M    ■'.    !  I   I'm 


ill   -ll 


;1'    ;:;r 


I 


Plate  LVI.  Paok  155. 

DICKCISSEL. 

Lciif^'th, (')•(»()  incln's.  .^h/ii/f  ma/c.  Imck  iiliu-k,  I'hi'stnut,  and  {j;r.'iyisli ;  lesser 
wiiij^-covcrts  Itrit^lil  clicstimt ;  chin  whilts  throat  lihu'k;  hivast  yellow ; 
b(>lly  white.  Adult  fenuUr,  upper  parts  streaked  black  and  ^'rayish ; 
throat  white;  breast  yellowish,  with  black  streaks ;  belly  white. 


SNOWFLAKE  AND  CKOSSBILL. 


U7 


With  tlie  Tree  Sparrows  and  Juncos,  Redpolls  feed  on 
the  seeds  of  plants  left  uncovered  by  the  snow,  and  they 
also  inclnde  birch  buds  in  their  fare. 

None  of  our  winter  birds  better  illustrate  the  flock- 
ing habit  than  the  Snowflakes,  Snow  Buntings,  or,  as  they 

Snowflake  are  also  called,  White  Snowbirds.    With 

j'/eHrvji/i(/ia.r  iiimiis.  'A  Uniformity  of  movement  which  would 
I'lfttc  L.  p^j^  ^Q  shame  the  evolutions  of  the  best- 

drilled  troops,  they  whirl  over  the  snow-clad  fields,  wheel- 
ing to  right  or  left,  as  though  governed  by  a  single 
impulse.  Suddenly  they  swhig  downward  into  a  weedy 
field,  ahghting  on  the  snow  or  ground,  where  they  run — 
not  hop  about — like  little  beach  birds.  Sometimes,  it  is 
said,  they  sing  on  the  wing  while  M-itli  us,  but  their  usual 
note  is  a  low  chirp.  They  are  terrestrial  birds,  and,  al- 
though they  may  often  perch  on  fences  or  l)uildings,  are 
rarely  seen  in  trees. 

Snowflakes  nest  within  the  Arctic  Circle,  and,  like 
other  of  our  winter  birds  that  come  from  the  far  North, 
are  irregular  in  their  movements.  As  a  rule  they  do  not 
wander  nnich  south  of  Long  Island  and  northern  Illinois, 
but  occasionally  they  go  as  far  as  Virginia  and  Kansas, 
and  are  thus  among  the  jjossibilities  which  add  so  nnich 
to  the  pleasure  of  winter  days  in  the  field. 

The  Crossbill  is  a  possibility  at  any  season.  None  of 
our  birds  is  more  erratic  in  its  migrations.  As  a  rule,  it 
is  found  in  the  Middle  States  only  be- 
tween November  and  JNIarch,  but  I 
have  seen  it  in  Central  Park,  New 
York  city,  as  late  as  IMay.  In  the 
higher  parts  of  the  Alleghanies  and  in  northern  New 
England  it  is  resident  throughout  the  year.  Crossbills 
usually  wander  as  far  south  each  winter  as  Connecticut, 
but  beyond  this  are  of  irregular  occurrence. 

They  feed  almost  entirely  upon  the  seeds  of  pines,  and 


American  Crossbill, 

Liixia  {■itrviroxtra 

III  I  lull'. 

riiitc  LI. 


us 


PINE  GROSBEAK. 


19    If. 


;ir 


h'fli 


'  ■■  M 


are  not  often  seen  far  from  coniferous  trees.  Their  sin- 
ti'ular  bill  might,  at  first  glance,  he  considered  misshapen, 
hut  if  vou  will  watch  a  (Vosshill  push  liis  crossed  mandi- 
bles beneath  the  scale  of  a  pine  cone,  and  with  a  (piick 
twist  force  it  olf  and  secure  the  seed  at  its  base,  you  will 
readily  admit  that  for  the  bird's  purposes  his  bill  could 
not  he  easily  improved. 

In  huntiuij;  for  (^rossl)ills  it  is  a  good  plan  to  look 
through  the  woods  for  falling  scales  of  ])ine  cones,  and 
when  you  see  a  shower  of  them  whirling  softly  down- 
ward it  behooves  you  to  learn  the  cause  of  their  descent. 
The  birds  often  follow  them  to  the  ground,  to  secure  the 
seeds  which  have  dro})ped  there. 

Crossbills  ily  in  conii)act  Hocks,  and  (sften  utter  a 
sharp,  clicking  note  while  on  the  wing.  Their  song  is 
sweet  and  varied  but  not  loud. 

Pine  (irosbeaks  are  among  our  rarer  winter  visit- 
ants. They  come  as  far  south  as  j\[ahsachusetts  in  vary- 
Pine  Grosbeak        "'.^    nuud)ers,    and   oc(!asionally    reach 

Piniriihi  iiiiii'ltatoi:       CoUUCCticui,    but     SOUtll    of     tllis     poiut 

^''''^^'  '•'•  are  of  very  i;ifre({ueiit  occurrence.     At 

irregular  intervals  Pine  Grosbeaks  become  abundant  dur- 
ing the  winter  in  New  England,  when,  because  of  their 
size,  they  attract  general  attention.  They  usually  resort 
to  coniferous  trees,  upon  the  seeds  of  which  they  feed, 
but  they  also  eat  berries  and  buds,  and  are  said  to  be  esjie- 
cially  fond  of  the  fruit  of  the  staghorn  sumach. 

Xo  one  seeing  the  Goldfinch  or  Yellowbird   in   his 

summer  costume  of  gold  and  black  would  imagine  that  so 

Goldfinch  tlaiuty  a  creature  could  brave  the  storms 

t^i^ii'i^triM!".  of  winter;  but  late  in  the  season,  when 
"'■  ^'''"  his  home  life  is  ended,  he  c'l.'.nges  lhc 

gay  wedding  dress  for  a  ])lainer  suit,  and  joins  the  raid<s 
of  winter  birds. 

I  wish  that  every  one  knew  the  Goldfinch.     His  gen- 


ii 
i 


11. 


Their  siu- 
luissliapen, 
jsed  inandi- 
itli  a  (juick 
se,  you  will 
;  bill  could 

luu  to  look 
cones,  and 
)ftly  dowu- 
eir  descent. 
)  secure  the 

en   utter  a 


eir  song  is 


\ 
% 


■fA 


t% 


M 


a 
%' 


"fL. 


'.^ 


inter  visit- 
tts  in  varv- 
lally   reach 

this  point 
rence.  At 
mdant  dur- 
se  of  their 
iiallj  resort 

the J  feed, 
to  be  espe- 
1. 

)ird  in  his 
.';ine  that  so 
!  the  storms 
ason,  \vh(,'n 
'i,'.n_<;es  Ihe 
^  the  ratd<s 


His  gen- 


\  '        ■.  ,ll-  yi.-    \  K 


';.•  1 1 


,^<  I 


I 


!■: 


I 


1^ 


i.t 


s 


rfiATK   LVII. 


CEDAR  WAXWIXd 


P.UiK   1(11. 


LiMi^'tli,  7-21)  iiicli(>s,     (h-avish  1 


n'owii:  u|i|ii'r  tiiil-cnvcM'ts  i,'iay;  Idwt 


liclly  yi>ll()\visli ;  (>ii(l  ol'  liiil  yclluw;  srcondarics  somctinn's  with   I'cd, 
scaliii.n-wax-liUi-  lips;  siripc  ilir(iuj,'li  I'acc  lilaclv. 


GOLDFINCH. 


140 


tlo  wajH  ami  Kwoel  disposition  lire  never-failing  antidotes 
for  discontent.  One  ean  not  he  lonj;  near  a  Hock  of 
these  l)irds  witliont  heinijj  impressed  hy  the  refinement 
which  seems  t(»  marie  their  every  note  and  action.  Tliey 
show,  too,  a  spirit  of  contentment  from  whicii  we  may 
draw  more  tlian  a  passing!;  lesson.  ILur  ni.(\  Iwdr  iiic, 
th'dj'lc,  they  call  as  they  feed  anion<;  the  weeds  or  on  the 
birch  hnds,  and,  no  matter  how  j)oor  the  fare,  they  seem 
thankful  for  it.  The  seeds  of  the  dandelion,  thistle,  and 
Kunriower  are  amonj*;  their  favorites ;  and  if  you  would 
attract  (Joldfinches  as  well  as  some  other  l)irds,  devote  a 
corner  of  your  i^ai'den  to  sunflowers. 

The  meal  finished,  the  birds  launch  into  tlie  air,  and  to 
the  tune  of  a  cheery  per-cU'ic-o-n't',,  ju'r-ch/ia-o-ree^  go 
8wini;inii;  throufjjh  space  in  loni^,  boundini^  undulations. 

In  April  the  males  rej^ain  their  bright  colors,  but  they 
are  evidently  believers  in  ])roloni!;e(l  courtship,  and,  al- 
thouu'li  the  nuptial  dress  is  accpiired  so  early,  hous(!keep- 
ing  is  apparently  not  thought  of  until  June.  Then  a  neat 
home  of  bark  and  fine  grasses,  thickly  lined  with  plant 
down,  is  placed  in  a  I»ush  or  tree,  fixe  to  thirty  feet  from 
the  ground,  and  in  it  are  laid  three  to  six  pale,  bluish- 
white  ii^j^^^^. 

Now  the  song  season  has  reached  its  height.  Chorus 
singing  has  been  abandoned.  Each  bird  has  become  an 
inspired  soloist,  who,  perched  near  his  home  or  flying  in 
broad  circles  about  it,  pours  forth  a  flood  of  melody.  It 
is  an  exceedingly  attractive  song,  sweet  and  varied  and 
suggesting  a  (Jaiuiry's,  but  still  is  no  more  like  it  than"  a 
hothouse  is  like  a  tropical  forest. 

Crea/t',  credit  the  notes  are  clear  but  faint,  and  may 

Purple  Finch         come  from  any  j^lace  beyond  arm's  reach. 

Carpo,i,tciix;,>(ri>'ii\'(>i.  They  are   the    Purple    Finch's    flight- 

I'liito  LIU.  calls;  one  might  think  his  wing  joints 

needed    oiling.      Alighting   on   the   topmost  twig  of   a 


150 


PURPLE   PINCn. 


11  ! 


li! 


I'll  11 


forest  tree,  he  utters  a  low,  wild,  qnestioninuf  whistle. 
With  crown-feathers  sli<;htl_v  erect  he  seems  alert  niul 
restless,  and  hefore  we  can  fairly  see  him  is  oil'  a<;ain  to 
parts  unknown. 

Puri)Ie  Finches,  in  small  companies,  may  ()ften  be 
seen  feeding?  near  the  <ifround  with  (ioldhnches,  hut  if 
alarmed  they  soon  return  to  the  tree  tops.  The  old  males 
may  he  hnown  hy  their  pinkish  rod  color,  which  is  hriyht- 
est  on  the  head  and  breast,  and  fades  to  bntwnish  on  the 
lower  back  and  tail  and  white  on  the  belly.  The  young 
!nales  and  females  are  Sparrowlike  in  appearance,  the 
upper  parts  being  dark  grayish  brown,  the  under  parts 
white,  streaked  with  dusky.  A  whitish  line  passing  over 
the  eye  is  a  charactei-istic  mark. 

During  the  wi'iter  Purple  Finches  are  irregularly  dis- 
tributed throughout  most  of  the  F^astern  States,  but  in 
summer  they  are  not  found  south  of  northern  New  Jer- 
sey. They  now  become  more  social  and  may  nest  in  our 
fjardens.  Generally  a  coniferous  tree  is  selected,  and  the 
nest  of  twigs,  grasses,  and  rootlets  is  ])laced  at  a  height  of 
about  tv  «.uty  feet.  The  eggs,  four  to  six  in  numl)er,  are 
blue,  spotT.Hl  with  dusky  about  the  lai-ger  end. 

Count  yourself  foi'tunate  if  a  Purple  F'inch  makes  his 
home  near  yours.  Tie  uiay  a])propriate  a  few  buds  and 
blossoms,  but  he  will  repay  you  with  nmsic  and  leave  you 
his  debtor.  Ilis  song  is  a  sweet,  flowing  warble  ;  nuisie 
as  natural  as  tlie  ri])pling  of  a  mountain  brook. 

Some  morning  early  in  May  you  may  meet  the  Rose- 
lireasted  Grosbeak,  just  returned  from  a  winter's  sojourn 

in  S(»uth  America.     Perhaps  his  fame 

Eose-breasted  .,,   ,  ,11.  i  •n 

Grosbeak    ^^''''   ''^^^'^  ]U'ece(led  Inm,  when  you  will 

Zam-.lmlla  iu  a  measure  be  prepared  for  his  elianns 

''"''""''■'"""•  of  sonu;  and  plumage,  and  10  miss  the 

keener  ])leasure  of  surprise ;  but  to  me 

he  appeared  as  a  revelation,  and  after  fifteen  years  I  still 


4^ 


1*?  whistle. 
I  alert  nnd 
i!  a<i;iiiii  to 

y  often  be 
lies,  but  if 
3  old  iiijiles 
I  is  briylit- 
lisli  on  the 
riio  young 
ininco,  the 
n<lcr  parts 
is.sing  over 


% 


:-^^^ 


^ 


;:u]arly  dis- 
tes,  but  in 
New  Jer- 
lest  in  our 
d,  and  the 
I  height  of 
nnber,  are 

makes  his 

buds  and 

leave  you 

lie  ;  music 


■^ 


"''.? 


the  Rose- 
n's sojourn 
his  fame 
;i  you  will 
ns  charms 
)  miss  the 
Imt  to  me 
3ar8  I  still 


''W 


'%!. 


fi' 


I 


i 


I  I  ,i 


I  M    !  I 


!( 


i  ii 


*i 


■1; 


t 


i 


i 


\ 


riiATE   LVIII. 


NORTHERN  SHRIKE. 


Page  1()2. 


Lcii^'tli,  lU'.'fu  iiiclii's.  Aditll,  (iiipcr  iiarts  {.jniy ;  tail  lilack  and  white; 
uiiilcr  parls  wliiir,  with  l)laclcisli  hais;  lores  f,'niyish  ;  car-eoverls  idacij. 
Yuttiv^.  similar,  Init  plmiia^^e  waslieil  wilii  hrownisli. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


5? 


'/ 


1.0 


I  I.I 

11.25 


UIM    125 


K 


:^  itf  12.0 

u 

Nuu 


1.8 


U    IIIIII.6 


?^ 


% 


7 


r 


^-^^ 


> 


'^// 


^'W 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)873-4503 


4r 


TOWIIEE. 


151 


find  it  dilRcTilt  to  helicve  that,  unknown  to  me,  this  beau- 
tiful creature  could  long  have  heen  an  inhabitant  of  my 
woods. 

The  Grosbeak  prefers  young  second  growths,  with  a 
liberal  proportion  of  oaks.  In  one  of  these  trees  he  will 
doubtless  build  his  nest,  a  structure  so  lightly  made  that 
one  can  almost  see  the  blue,  spotted  eggs  from  below. 
The  male  is  not  only  an  ardent  lover  but  an  admirable 
husband,  and,  unlike  most  brightly  attired  birds,  shares 
with  his  mate  the  task  of  incubation,  and,  it  is  said, 
sings  while  on  the  nest.  His  mate  is  so  xmlike  him  in 
color  that  few  would  suspect  their  relationship.  She 
suggests  an  overgrown  female  Purple  Finch,  with  the 
eye-stripe  especially  prominent ;  but  if  you  should  chance 
to  see  the  under  surface  of  her  wings,  you  would  lind 
that  they  were  lined  with  gold.  However,  the  call-notes 
of  both  sexos  are  alike — a  sharp,  characteristic  7>ft'Z',  which 
you  will  have  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  after  you  have 
learned  it. 

The  Grosbeak's  song  will  remind  you  of  a  Robin's, 
but  it  is  in  truth  a  nmch  higher  type  of  bird  music. 
It  is  a  joyous  carol,  expressive  of  a  happy  disposition 
and  a  clear  conscience. 

The  Towhee,  or  Chewink,  is  an  important  mend)er  of 
any  bird  comuumity.  He  comes  early — A])ril  20  may 
find  him  with  us — and  he  stays  late, 
sometimes  remaining  until  November  1. 
During  this  pei'iod  there  is  not  an  hour 
of  the  day  when  you  can  not  find  a 
Chew'n':  if  yo\i  know  how  to  look  for  him.  At  midday 
you  will  perhaps  have  to  summon  him  by  a  whistled  to- 
whee from  the  depths  of  his  bushy  home  on  the  border  of 
a  wood  or  thicket ;  but  he  will  soon  respond,  and  with  a 
flvff-fl^iff  of  his  sliort,  rounded  wings,  fly  jerkily  up  to 
incpiire  what's  wanted. 


Towhee, 

rijtiio 

ci'ythffijihtliiilmn, 
"Phitu  LV. 


i! 


M  li 


i  ''■ 


Mm 


vl ' 


152 


INDIGO  BUNTING. 


Some  birds,  such  as  the  Tleil-eyed  Vireo,  can  sing  just 
as  well  while  hunting  food  as  at  any  other  time  ;  in  fiict, 
I  do  not  rememher  ever  seeing  a  Ked-eye  ])ause  long 
in  its  search  for  insects — song  and  search  go  on  together. 
But  with  the  Chewink  singing  is  a  serious  matter,  not  to 
be  associated  with  the  material  question  of  food ;  so,  wlien 
singing,  he  abandons  the  dead  leaves  he  has  been  tossing 
about  so  vigorously,  and,  mounting  a  perch,  becomes  an 
inspired  if  not  gifted  nnisician.  /Swfct  hird,  fihxj,  a  friend 
writes  it,  the  "  sing"  being  higher,  sustained,  and  vibrant. 
To  this  there  is  often  a  refrain  which  suggests  an  an- 
swering, tremulous  I^ll  try. 

Matins  or  vespers  over,  the  Chewink  returns  to 
the  ground  and  resumes  Jiis  occupation  of  scratching 
among  the  leaves  for  breakfast  or  supper,  as  the  case 
may  be. 

The  Chewink's  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  often  in 
di'ied  grass,  beneath  a  tangle  of  running  wild  blackberry. 
The  eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  are  white,  finely  and 
evenly  s])eckled  with  reddidi  brown. 

There  are  three  birds  who  sing  not  only  through  the 

heat  of  midsummer  but  are  undaunted  by  the  warmth  of 

a  nn'dday  sun.      They  are  the  Wood 

n  go  un  ing,  Pewee,  the  Red-eved  Vireo,  and  the  Tn- 
digo-bird  or  Bunting.  The  Pewee  and 
Vireo,  singing  dreamily  from  the  shady  depths  of  a  tree, 
carry  the  air  to  the  hummed  accompaniment  of  insects; 
but  the  Bunting,  mounting  to  an  upi)er  branch,  gives 
voice  to  a  tinkling  warble,  more  in  keeping  with  the 
freshness  of  early  morning  than  the  languor  of  noon. 
Jnh/^  Juhf,  fiumm('r-f<V7nine)'''ft  here ;  jnorning,  noontide, 
<'re?ii>i(jf,  list  to  nu\  he  sings  so  rapidly  that  Iniman  tongue 
can  scarce  enumerate  the  words  fust  enough  to  keep  pace 
with  him.  The  Indigo-bird  is  in  song  when  he  comes  to 
us  from  the  South  early  in  May,  but  it  is  not  until  other 


IIHl. 


..•«aii«n»i«>? %»!•»«<* T..-v^V  ,^f. 


m  sinpj  just 
le ;  ill  fiict, 
])aiiso  lon^ 
n  together, 
ttor  not  to 
1 ;  so,  when 
een  tossing 
)eeome8  an 
'*«/,  a  friend 
nd  vibrant. 
3sts  an  an- 


:^' 


r^i 


i 


returns   to 

seratcliing 

IS  the  case 


[1,  often  in 

)lackberry. 

finely  and 


rough  the 

warnitli  of 

tlie  Wood 

nd  the  Tn- 

ewee  and 

of  a  tree, 

)f  insects; 

leli,  gives 

with  the 

of  noon. 

noontide, 

an  tongue 

keep  pace 

comes  to 

ntil  other 


M 


•\<   I  li 


;  1 1 V 


:!>  \!i. 


i 


'i 


I  }; 


!:.:> 


INlWCo    J^TN'TINw. 


'■-'11(111'  lili'''-,  Hucli  !(t-  t'"'  !■!•  .i-o\fi!  Virco,  f.'i'i  ,-.inu'  ]\i^i: 

;>.'   \'.<'!!    \ri!ik>    lni'l'Mli:    d'-nd   ;l-.  ;;!    T.  !1  v  ■<  .1  Hit  t  ill  i(-  :    ii:    f    .-i, 

I  do  ii,<>t  i(-it!!'i!;!,i:!r  i.\(r  t-vinjjr  .1  i,\'! f, .  juiiist'  \i>'>'j 
ill  il--  scUN*!:  for  M'm-  t.--  '.^n<^«'  i'lid  -fiiiv!!  ^o  t.ii  tii^orlip-. 
I'lii  \v'>''  tlip  Cl'L'wiuk  -iiiiriiiiT  i>  :\  >r'/f:.<  ir.Mrof,  not  Ui 
]<>■.  .'->Jv  ■  iT.iii  M'itli  the.  nitUcii  J  .(iH'.-ti'.ji  nf  ('....'il :  s.i,  v<)-io'i 
.-iiiuiii*,'-,  111.'  'tlianfloos  t)ii'  i!i.'ii(!  icnvts  he  ]■■>.>  '"en  lo-ViHg 
■it'Dh'  1^"  \iaiiri.-isly,  .'.Mil,  iii'iiiiitiiiij  a  ;>  rcii,  i.or.iuic-;  aa 
i!!-;.ip  1  it'  ?t<i1:  <:;it'i."!  tisiisician.  N//V'  ■"/-//■//  .vV//y,  u  iVion<l 
wi'ii-  '  It ,  !(.,!■  ■'  nitil;'  "  liouiii;-  L!t;'ii'r.  .^(!.•<'ai!  '■  '.  utii!  vihviint. 
I'm  tlii-    fl-,..!-''    ^•  cf'-i'n  n   ri/i !•■;"!    \vl'i;-h   i-ua':.;'(?-is  ;i\i   an- 

^f.^'i|■(-■    ''I     \'--i(.-r-    ••'.'•!■,    tin.;   MiowIdIn     lct,Ui•^,^    to 
iVr-  <.>-T-(.>iiih !    riii'l    .■'.•>i>-<   I-     'li-i    <ii-.'fi(')ali''ii    .>V   .-u'MTiti'iiiiMjf 


f'.>ij");u''    '1:1.'    li-a '>■(•■     ti"'    ' 
■  i'-ic'd  i:ra--.  ;i(-!.-::t!    :i  *m 


,ta^!    <a-    -.u^'Hcr, 


^  w    c;;.-!.' 


!■'.', c.ilH;   wihl  M;:i''lv)ti'i  i'\, 
:   ",  .ii\'  wImI''.  ti:ii  ly  ■'iti.tl 


I'll''   <'i,'V'-,    ''  •■'''■'   '  '    r>\<.'   in       • 


Tin  M:  :';■•  \]\Vvi-  iii'v!-  wln)  -is.,    i'i'l    M'tK   t ' i r  '' iti'i; ' ' lie 

|j"il    el'    mi'i-lf    :!i'   ••    !:i|t   ,,(•(■   ■jIlI'luM'.Nyi     ilV    t':('    SV.i  I't'.lii    ' -f 

..    '.■>dl't^    <\m.      T'ii-\    ,!,'>    f!'v    *\',-i(| 
.    /•  i  •   'i'''-,  ',1,;'  u-'u  t>>f  ,  \  IP''., 'inii  '!.!•  hi- 

liiM.  i'.'jd  ■■r  l.'unlnifi.  J"''';  }*(  wit  and 
\"'''t  ^;ii.;i'i^  d:'"iV!i''v  ;••:;■  illn-  .' Irul  \'  Ho^-ih  *•!'  :'  h'fr, 
■•H/'v  tl  1'  -ir  111  !].■■  '''iii.ii-'d  ai.-'-'>iiij)aninii't't  of  tii-i;i-{- ; 
!iu'  1!  "  H:ili:;!ir.  11, ■  •  ■;i.;.r  fd  d!'  KjijK-r  iira'iii,  Si-.*.'^ 
Vi.|c<'  f"  1  ri.d;!!'.;  '■>  ..Cbir,  l!"'Vi'  iu  I'OOpill!*'  w  ivii  tl'O 
f'l  • 'i;;('v-     (if    ,'iriy    Ui'iniin.:    (i:;!ri     iiu;    "!;,  ir'-iKM'    .-A     ii(.,>!;, 

■'    .•''/,    •/■••■'//.   .--I'-i'    ■■     ■  -^'l-IU  'fr'i    s   !'■!>    :      /.,     ,•>.    '.,!•;,     •.,,.;///, ''/■', 

,  /■  ./'//.'.  h'-'-  ,'  >/•»,  ho  -:!1l:'-'  ->  :"a;i'  ilv  \\\\'.\  liuiia  t  foijuu'.- 
'•(1(1  -I'.M'i-".'  c'i'!!m"';!f''  t;:;'  wi'T'l-  *'a--r  <  ii>aii:l'  ;'■  U'Hmi  h,  ;■<> 
vvirfi  ii'.H'.  Til!/  hui'i;--i-i'ir(l  i-  ia  .-■.!.:„-  \\difr.  ij"  ■.ii:;i.-  !.■ 
i!:-  i'r  ail  L.K:  H-';.rh  oaily  ;,;  Ma\-.  ''id  il  if  !;'»r    mr.u  'thcr 


1; 


I 


"  -ini.^  in  fit 

(• :   ill  {': :r|, 

i   t^>^(:rll(•■•. 
rCM-,   Mot   1»'       ■ 
;  SM,  M  jjr'i 
lit  to-niiij/ 

oiuiiii'^-;  an 

f/,  :i  i  i'i',»U<i 

ii!  vilii'iiiit.    , 
■M  ;i^i   :ni- 

cttinis    to    . 

■■■      tilf-      n)rl> 
I.     '(it.',!       i'; 

1v:;i  ]y  .-iti.i 

ill  'i.i-  hi- 
'  .  !)%■.■, 

Mil;     rl'O 
IK'O!!. 

/-/;•/-'. 


■M!ur 


Plate  LIX.  Pages  104,  1()5. 

RED-EYED   VIREO. 

Length,  0-25  inclios.     Crown  {,'ray,  hordcrod  by  ))lack  and  whito;  back, 

wings,  and  tail  ()livo-gr<>(>n ;  undor  i)ai'(s  wliilc. 

YELLOW-THROATED  VIREO. 
Lengtli,  5-95  ineh(>s.     Crown  and  liat'k  gn>onish  yellow;  I'uinp  gray; 
breast  bright  yellow;  belly  WinU);  wing-bars  white. 


CARDINAL. 


153 


Cardinal, 

I'liriliiiiiUs  i-tiii/iiKil 


fiinj^crs  linvo  dropped  from  the  clioruH  that  \m  voice  l»e- 
coini's  (Miiirtpicuonrt. 

Not  fur  inviiy  his  nrite  is  douMless  sittiiijj;  on  her  hlu- 
isli  white «.  :j»s  in  a  nest  low  d<»wii  in  the  crotch  of  a  hush. 
lie  in  hiH  deep  indi;;f0  costume  may  he  easily  identified, 
hut  she  is  a  dull  hrownish  hird,  aliout  the  size  of  a  ( ^a- 
nary,  sparrowlikc  in  apjjearance,  though  with  iinstreaked 
plumage,  and  a  dilHcidt  hird  to  name,  even  wlien  you 
have  a  specimen  in  your  hand,  while  in  the  hush,  if  silent, 
she  is  a  puzzle.  But  she  is  far  too  ijjood  a  mt»tlier  not  to 
protest  if  you  ventnre  too  near  her  home,  and  her  sharp 
jn't  or  jwrt  nsually  calls  hor  mate,  whom  you  will  recog-- 
nize  at  once. 

Tlic  Cardinal  is  ahout  the  size  of  a  Towhee,  with 
pluma<j^e  which,  except  for  a  l)lack  throat,  is  almost 
wholly  rosy  red.  Seein«;  a  mounted 
(Cardinal,  one  miji^ht  ima<j;ine  that  he 
was  a  conspicuous  hird  in  life  and  easy 
toohservo;  but  the  truth  is  that,  in  spite  of  his  brifjfht 
colors,  the  Cardinal  is  a  Hurprisiiifrly  ditlicult  hird  to  see. 
You  may  often  hear  his  sharp,  insijj^nificant  fs!j>  without 
catching  a  glimpse  of  the  caller,  so  well  can  he  conceal 
himself.  His  olive-brown  mate  is,  of  course,  even  more 
ditttcvJt  to  find,  and  when  you  do  see  her  you  would 
hardly  suspect  tlie  relationship  were  it  not  for  her  acticjns 
and  the  striking  crest  worn  by  both  sexes. 

The  Cardinal's  song  is  a  rich,  sympathetic  whistle. 

His  mate  also  sings  at  times,  and  1  carry  in  my  memory 

a  musical  courting  I  once  observed,  in  which  a  pair  of 

tlijse  beautiful  birds  were  tlie  actors.     The  song  begins 

with   whcc-you,  whee-ijou,  long-drawn  notes,  whicli  are 

followed  by  a  more  rapid  ku)'ry\  hnnuj,  Jiurry ;  quieJc, 

quick,  quick,  and  other  notes   difficult   of  description. 

The  Cardinal  is  a  bird  of  the  Southern  rathor  than  of 

the  Northern  States,  and  is  rarely  seen  north  of  New 
22 


154 


LARK  FINCH. 


Vi 


York  city.  It  is,  however,  a  permanent  resident  tlirougli- 
out  its  ran<j;e,  and  to  one  who  associates  it  witli  niafjjiioliafl 
and  yelh)w  jessamine  it  seems  strangely  out  of  phice  amid 
snowy  surroundings. 

The  (^ardinal  builds  its  nest  about  four  feet  from  the 
ground  in  thickets,  laying  three  or  four  eggs,  which  are 
white  or  bluish  white,  speckled  and  sjjotted  with  grayish 
or  reddish  brown. 

In  the  Mississip])i  Valley  and  westward  there  are  sev- 
eral members  of  this  family  who  are  rarely  found  east 

lark  Finch  of  the  Alleghanies.     Prominent  among 

Chondestex  tlieiii  is  the  Lark  Finch,  a  handsome 

gramma,;,,.  |jjj.^|^  ,^|,^,,^^  ^j^  j^j,j  ^^   (piarter   inches 

long,  witli  car-coverts  and  sides  of  the  crown  cliestnut, 
the  back  grayish  l)rown  streaked  with  black,  the  outer 
tail-feathers  tipped  with  white,  and  tlie  under  parts 
white,  with  a  single  black  spot  in  the  center  of  the 
breast. 

This  is  a  migratory  bird,  arriving  in  southern  Illinois 
about  the  middle  of  April  and  remaining  until  September 
or  October.  IVIr.  Eidgway,  in  his  Birds  of  Illinois,  says 
that  its  favori^^e  resorts  are  "  fertile  prairies  and  meadows 
adjoining  strips  or  groves  of  tind)er.  In  Illinois  it  evinces 
a  special  fondness  for  cornfields,  in  which  it  builds  its 
nest  at  the  foot  of  the  stalks,  while  the  male  sings  from 
the  fence  or  the  top  of  a  small  tree  by  the  roadside." 

Its  song,  the  same  writer  continues,  is  "  composed  of 
a  series  of  chants,  each  syllable  rich,  loud,  and  clear,  in- 
terspersed with  emotional  trills.  At  the  beginning  the 
song  reminds  one  somewhat  of  that  of  the  Indigo-bird 
{I\i,ss('/-i/i(i  eyanea),  but  the  notes  are  louder  and  more 
metallic,  and  their  delivery  more  vigorous.  Though 
seemingly  hurried,  it  is  one  continuous  gush  of  sprightly 
music ;  now  gay,  now  melodious,  and  then  tender  beyond 
description — the  very  expression  of  emotion." 


t  througli- 
iiiii^iioliiirt 
)Iii('o  amid 

;  from  the 
svhicli  arc 
h  grajish 


'e  are  sev- 
Duml  east 
iiit  among 
handsome 
er  inclies 
chestnut, 
the  outer 
ler  parts 
n*  of  the 


?it 


•n  llHnois 
eptend)er 
nois,  says 
meadows 
it  evinces 
)uilds  its 
ngs  from 
de." 

josed  of 
clear,  in- 
ning the 

igo-hird 
nd  more 

Though 

prightly 

beyond 


.   ii 


,it.'-' ' 


;  \  Ui\   r  •;•  ii 


'\  ,n  K      tv       It  i'i,  ';'ivv("  I  I.   .  I'f'i  iiiiif'i'iii  '•(  h,.I"'  •  I  ■ii'i.Cj.'lv 

i,i,r  ,1  •  ■^'  'V.  .,.!•'!  •'.'"•'  ■  ;<••".  ;.!■■■  I  '>  Jill  ic  Mit.i''.!.. 
.;n(|  vi:i  .\i,  )•■^,-l^,  ilii;  i:  f  •'■!!.-  'iMn."l,  1,1!  .1'  |i,.i.'  •••i.i'i 
-.111'  .'.•  ■     -ir  '■'MiH'li'i^'  . 

"l']!."'    :i'''!i!i:M     i.iiiill-      •-    I''     '    il'li'  11'    •    -lir   ;>:.    ;'i.«'   1    .'n 
.  (  iMii  '      ',  '  :m    !• '  ■       kvi;p      '   11  ■        :■    :    ■  '    •■.:         .\  In.  '>    ,. :  ■■ 


M 


.(.     -Mill' 


til'  '    1    'i- 

I     ■ 


;■     \  u 


I 


.,,.  .,-(.. r 


I'-  ■!' 
.,•;••:.■       I  ■! 

,    .  '■'|:i;;;   ■     ■'.     ' ' '■ 


..     ■>  .'     r 


■  ,     ■  A  ' 


;i    -M;.     .1'    .  I.'  r; 

1(1   -     ■!    !■-<      1       '•.  'f  .1 

■  ,.:,f5    .-('ii  1    ■' ; 


'  / 

i/V.S' 

/■     '^    ( 

;n< 

•f.ll 

in'' 

\      i 

■     ■^-  '■     !  I     r     ,-1  .|,'  1  1  ■       ...  1       '    '       I 

.:■!•     ^       :,(;.;■      ;       '       |m;.  1,       -   '       .1.;.    ,|. 

•  !,  .      ;.  .1     ■!    r!i,r    .'i    "'.I'    i'i'i.      •'';•■  i 
!     I    <  :    •    ,    i<  (  '.     •:  ''<     II  i;  :>  r  ■ '    ;m  - !    n  i>  1'.  >-' 


■ii: 


-I 


,•  1  /      .  ■  ii    i 


I 

I 


miH 


\  I.I.   !-     ,,!•■ 


•i!?i' 


'  '  .  -.t'-.r 


■  »ji   I 


•  .1    ■ 


.1.:- J 


Plate  LX.  Page  107. 

BLACK  AND  WHITE  WARBLER. 

LciiKlli. '")•-•">  iiiflu's.     Adult  male,  ii|)|i('r  ]iarls,  lifciist,  iiiid  sides  lilack  iiiid 
wliitc;  Ix'lly  white.     Adiill fciiuih-.'AmWiW,  liut  witli  less  liiaciv  on   under 

IKlI'tS. 


■n 


V 


Ml        ! 


V> ''  \< 


m': 


t 


DICKCISSEL. 


156 


DickoisBol, 

S/>i::a  'iiiuricaiia 
I'laU'  LVI. 


Some  thirty  or  forty  years  ago  tlie  Dickcissel,  or 
Black  throated  Bunting,  was  a  locally  common  bird  in 
the  Middle  Atlantic  States.  Now  it  is 
rarely  found  east  of  the  Alleghanies, 
and  even  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  its 
range  is  becoming  restricted,  and  it  is  of  irregular  distri- 
bution. 

It  migrates  in  large  flocks,  the  males  in  the  spring 
being  several  days  in  advance  of  the  females.  Aboui 
May  1  it  reaches  the  latitude  of  ('hicago,  and  by  the  mid- 
dle of  the  month  is  mated.  The  nest  is  placed  on  the 
ground,  or  in  low  trees  or  bushes  ;  the  eggs,  four  or  Ave 
in  nunil)er,  are  pale  blue. 

In  the  work  previously  quoted  from,  Mr.  Ridgway 
writes  of  this  species :  "  While  some  other  birds  are 
ecpially  numerous,  there  are  few  that  annoiince  their 
presence  as  persistently  as  this  species.  All  day  long, 
hi  spring  and  sunnner,  the  males,  tometimes  to  the  num- 
ber of  a  dozen  or  more  for  each  rieadow  of  considerable 
extent,  perch  up(jn  the  summits  of  tall  weed  stalks  or 
fence-stakes,  at  short  intervals,  crying  out :  tSec\  see — 
D'uJi\  DIeh  Clsxel,  Cissel  •  therefore  '  Dick  Cissel '  is  well 
known  to  every  farmer's  boy  as  well  as  to  all  who  visit 
the  country  during  the  season  of  clover  blossoms  and  wild 
roses,  when  '  Dame  Nature '  is  in  her  most  joyous  mood." 


Tanagers.    (Family  Tanaurid^.) 

The  Tanagers,  numbering  some  three  hundred  and 
fifty  species,  are  found  only  in  America.  Their  home 
is  in  the  tropics,  where  they  are  among  the  mcjst  al)un- 
dant  of  birds.  But  two  species  reach  the  eastern  United 
States,  the  Sunnner  Redbird  of  the  South  and  our  Scar- 
let Tanager,  both  worthy  representatives  of  a  group 
of  birds  whicli  in  brilliancy  of  color  rival  even  the  Hum- 


>-^ 


156 


SCAKLET  TANAGER. 


juingbirds.    The  mali.  Scarlet  Tanager,  witli  fire-red  body 

and  jet-black  wing?:,  and  tail,  is  the  most  brightly  plum- 

ag-^  ^    ot    our   birds.      Seen   against   a 

Scarlet  Tanager       j^.  .     i),,(.i,gro„,.a,  light  seems  ^to  radi- 

ate  from   his   glowing  feathers.      But 

the  female,  clad  in  dull  olive-green,  is  so  in  harmony 

with  the  color  of  her  surroundings  that  she  is  not  easily 

dis'  overed.    The  young  male  at  first  resembles  his  mother, 

but  has  blaekish  wings  and  tail,  and  does  not  accjuire  the 

full  scarlet  and  black  plumage  until  the  following  spring. 

After  the  nesting  season  is  over  the  male  exchanges  the 

nuptial  dress,  which  has  rendered  him  so  conspicuous,  for 

a  costume  similar  to  that  worn  by  the  young  male. 

The  Scarlet  Tanager  ^:])ends  the  winter  in  Central  and 
South  America  with  his  numerous  relatives,  and  in  the 
spring  reaches  the  hititude  of  New  York  city  about  May 
5,  remaining  until  October.  It  frequents  both  high  and 
low  woods,  but  prefers  rather  open  growths  of  white  oak. 
Its  nest  is  usually  placed  on  the  horizontal  branch  of  an 
oak  limb.  The  three  or  four  eggs  are  pale  greenish  blue, 
with  numerous  reddish  brown  markings. 

The  Tanager's  call-note  is  a  characteristic  chi])-clmrr  ; 
his  song  is  not  unHkc  the  Eobin's,  but  is  not  so  free  aiid 
ringing.  ^SFounting  to  the  topmost  branch,  often  <»f  a 
dead  or  parti. 'ly  dead  tree,  he  sings,  l.ool'-jip,  tratj-vn, 
lo()l'-(it-me^  tj'ee-toj)^  and  with  frequent  pauses  repeats  tl  o 
invitation. 


i:H 


Swallows.    (Family  Hnr'XDiNiD^.) 


Primarily,  Swallows  are  remarkable  for  their  power 
of  flight.  Thei,.'  long,  bladelike  wings  show  how  well  they 
are  fitted  for  life  in  the  air;  their  snuill  feet,  on  the 
other  hand,  are  of  little  service  excej)t  in  perching,  and 
give  evidence  of  the  effect  of  disuse  (see  Fig.  G). 


i 


i^ 


ire-reil  body 
<^ht]y  pliim- 
II   against  a 
!ins  to  radi- 
tliers.      But 
ill  liarrnoiij 
is  not  easily 
his  mother, 
acquire  tlie 
vmg  S2)ring. 
.'lianges  the 
picuous,  for 
iiale. 

I^entral  and 
and  in  the 
about  IMay 
!i  higli  and 
wliite  oak. 
inch  of  an 
eiiisli  bhie, 

^Ij^-Ciiurr ; 
o  free  ai}fi 
oftoTi  of  a 
■>,  if'Xf/.m?, 
epeats  tl  o 


eir  power 

well  they 

t,   on  the 

hing,  and 


f 

f,*                            '         ■     '■ 

i 

^ 

^9.  ".■*/V.4-- 

.,4f 

<«  .»■ 

■L    I 


■^M' 


4;' 


.,,.i>#r  >.,.,!»,. 


**■ 


„<?»<?■ 


7;^M' 


.i^:; 


\ 


"^.*F^"' ;     ■•*.""^ 


■v*^* 


^v 


"•iihvi^ 


.,..^1^- 


^'g^^ 


1' 


A 


■  I 

( 


il 


w 


15<^ 


SCAKLKT  r  ANAOER. 


] 


Tningliirdn.    Tiie  ujhIo  Sv-.iriei  Tpnagcr,  with  iir«vrodb<'«ly 

nil  jet'l'liiclv  \vit\;j;^  ^tivl  tai!,i»  the  most  bvij^Mitly  ^h^n:- 

••i^;ri\    I't'    our   hirdi*.      Sei'u   aixaiiiet   -i 

scarlet  Tairoffer        i„„p^.   i,,,,.-^..,,,,,,,^!,  liglit  seeins  '  to  radl- 

.itc  fjvjin    fii.>   glowing   feiitlicrs.      I'M 

tfiu  f(iniM*e,  ciiui  ii)  duii   ohv'>.groeii,  isi  so   in   hurinonv 

witli  the  color  of  Jiir -urrcKH.liiigH  that  «hc  is  not  eaeil.v 

(liscoveroil.    "J'lio  v<>',ui;<  ttiiuf^  iit  fir^t  re.seiubkg  Lis  uiothcr, 

l>uT  li.w  hiackit-ih  m  i,!.oh  nui]  t.iil.  and  iIock  not  acquire  thu 

full  r.<'!;riil  M'ui  !>l-!,i;k  jiUnn.im;  .aitil  thu  following  ,«prir.:. 

A  t'UT  tl;i'  iiri'iini:  '. •!(;-»>!)  '  ■  ..'ve'-  -the  male  ex(!luingpp  flit* 

tiu]>l!a!  '{"v-is  v  ii)'.-li  iri«  n'tni'Tcd  III!:;  ^!'-  coti-^jiicnou.-,  tor 

H  fosiiuiu'^  sinjiiar  <o  t'liit  ',.>,i-i  !,>,   Mic  voiiiil;  inaie. 

Tilt)  Scurh't  T'ii!.'ij.j':M' .-'K-iuis  t,.    \\intor  in  rciitral  .mu   . 
iSoiiili  Afucri' fi   'Aitli   h,T.  !ii!)ri'.M'"'.is  ruialivci,  aud  in  (in? 
^}>riiig  rea'-ho.s  tlio  htii.wtt/!  (it   New  > drk  </iiv  alioia  .\fM\ 
5,  iviiiuinii';:  uiifih<  ><"o':im-.      Ir  iroqut  iils  botli  liigh  aial  . 
!iiv  W'Aiii:-,  imt  oriii'i.-!;-  nitluM'  t<\H\u  growth.s  of  wjiifi'  (jak. 
Il  ■;  'u:.-t  i;-  iV^iuiHv  ]^!aco<l  fo  t]u:  hifUHiital  branch  i.*'  an 
<Aik  tiiiib.     I'liv  th.'.To  or  fii'ar  i,^;!.-.  ar«'  pa^.-  :irfH'iii.sii  M'v^>,  ' 
wii. i(  rin!r.<'ron>=  irtiiii-K  ItrouM  viaTkii.jX"^. 

'!'iu-  'raiiagcrV  •■.•ill -not':-  '.-  a  '•hara<'ri.M'isti't  r//.y^-/7<'//V' ; 
lii-i  --oi!.;;  '.i.  n'-t  laui^-^.'  ''\.v  I*  . -ii"  .  Imit  W.  ju)!  n>  t'rt'B  and 
nni.'iii:.r.  M'Hintin.ir  t*'  ihc  r"jirih'.«t  liraiich.  oflc!  of  a 
tf.':"i'!  '•!•  jr,iVii;;.|lv  lie;!')  fee.  ki.'  ><"niic;,  /,'"</,■->//..  •""■'/-UJi, 
fn.'/.-nf  ■-,  /r.r-f,,^,.,  Mri  ■•  o.h  fr'-'^';-!it  p:iUf;t^H  re|i;-at.v  the 
invitaii^a. 


m 

M 


•V\|  !(i\V-'        'V'a.MU  \     i.iiHl  S^iNU'-t." 


i 


INiitiiiiil'. ,  >''•  wnil'.'W-j  aro  rtinark'iiblo  for  llx'ir  [ivjm-it 
of  i!i.;]!t,  'C'a  !i-  loiiuf,  bi.adciiko  wir--;  '^'JO\v  Imw  \^s;ll  t'ficy 
ar>'  Hitci  f.r  life  in  the  air;  thr-ir  prnall  U'.t,  ..u  ilu' 
ctlicr  ]i,./id,  .iro  of  little  r-.('r\'icit  (•xcf'r>1  in  pi  '•  'liuii'.  .ind 

yi".  0  I'viii-  i;    U  of  'ijc  (.tfclM    o'^  (li-im;  ('.^t'l;   Fli.'.   o ,, 


1 


to  radi- 

•8.        ]   i"l 

liarmoJiv 
ot  cattily 
iiiotlicr, 
uiro  The 
r  spriri:. 

I'juH,  for 

1r;il  .irid   , 
i  in  (he 
JUT    .Mh\ 

'    an 

,    1 1 ;  >        • 


ie('  iUul 
■^''•-  the 


CiT 


n.c' 


ih.> 


Plate  LXI.  Page  168. 

MYRTLE  WARBLER. 

Length,  5-()5  inches.  Wiiilti- p/iiiii,ii:;,\  crown-pati'h,  rump,  and  sides  of 
breast  yellow;  bade  brown  and  blacli;  under  parts  Idaclc  and  wliite. 
Sidiimcr  ///wwi,'-.'.  similar,  but  upper  parts  gray  and  black;  more  black 
on  under  parts. 

BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER. 
Length,   ."i-lO  inches.     Upper  parts  yellowish    green;    face    i)righter; 
breast  black;  belly  white. 


SWALLOWS. 


157 


The  aerial  ability  of  Swallows  accounts  for  their  wide 
distribution,  the  eighty  known  species  being  represented 
in  all  parts  of  the  world.  Only  six  of  tlieni  inhabit  the 
northeastern  States,  but  they  are  so  active  and  so  easily 
observed,  that  they  rank  among  our  most  abundant  and 
best-known  birds. 

Swallows  are  eminently  insectivorous.  The  Tree  Swal- 
low is  known  to  feed  on  bayberries  when  its  usual  fare  is 
wanting,  but,  with  this  exception,  it  is  doubtful  if  any 
but  insect  food  passes  a  Swallow's  bill  from  one  ;year'8 
end  to  another.  Eecalling  now  tlie  activity  of  Swallows, 
which  both  necessitates  a  large  supply  of  food  and  pro- 
cures it,  and  we  must  realize  that  these  birds  are  incal- 
culably beneficial. 

Both  the  feeding  habits  and  powers  of  flight  of  Swal- 
lows are  such  as  their  structure  would  lead  us  to  expect, 
but  when  we  examine  their  nests  we  are  amazed  at  the 
architectural  skill  of  builders  so  poorly  provided  with 
tools.  The  large  mud  pocket  of  the  Barn  Swallow,  the 
clay  retort  of  the  Cliff  Swallow,  and  the  long  burrow 
which  the  Bank  Swallow  excavates,  are  surely  not  the 
kind  of  homes  we  should  expect  these  small-billed,  weak- 
footed,  dainty  creatures  to  construct.  We  will  note,  too, 
that  these  feathered  architects  are  quick  to  perceive  and 
take  advantage  of  the  new  and  favorable  conditions  for 
nest-building  found  about  the  home  of  man. 

The  Bank,  Eough-winged,  and  Tree  Swallows,  and 
the  Purple  Martin,  lay  white  eggs  ;  the  eggs  of  the  Barn 
and  Cliff  Swallows  are  speckled  with  cinnamon,  olive,  and 
reddish  brown. 

It  is  when  nesting  that  Swallows  best  show  one  of 
tlieir  strong  characteristics — their  sociability.  Many  birds 
live  in  flocks  during  part  of  the  year,  but  separate  in  pairs 
when  nesting ;  but  most  Swallows  live  on  terms  of  such 
intimacy  that  their  nests  seem  to  be  merely  apartments  in 


158 


SWALLOWS. 


II    I 


one  great  dwelHnfij.  A  photograph  of  part  of  a  colony 
of  (Mill  Swallows  in  Montana  shows  one  linndred  ami 
forty  nests,  nearly  all  of  which  adjoin  one  another. 

The  songs  of  Swallows  are  hnnd)le  elforts,  hut  are  so 
expressive  of  the  happy  disjiositions  of  the  birds,  and  so 
associated  with  scenes  with  which  they  are  inseparably 
connected,  that  the  merry  twitterings  of  these  birds  are 
as  dear  to  us  as  the  voices  of  friends. 

The  sociability  of  Swallows  does  not  end  with  the 
nesting  season,  as  it  does  with  many  birds  that  are  then 
brought  into  conuuunities  by  force  of  circumstances. 
When  the  young  take  wing,  Swallows  begin  to  collect 
in  llt>cks,  which  gradually  unite,  and  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember form  assemblages  containing  millions  of  individ- 
uals. They  generally  make  their  headquarters  in  some 
large  marsh,  where  they  roost  in  the  reeds  and  grasses, 
but  they  also  resort  to  trees.  Early  in  the  morning  they 
scatter  over  the  country  in  small  bands,  flying  at  a  con- 
siderable height,  and  during  the  day  we  may  often  see 
them  feeding  over  fields  and  ponds  or  restuig  on  wayside 
telegraph  wires.  Late  in  tlie  afternoon  they  begin  to  re- 
turn to  their  roosts.  At  first  they  fly  slowly  and  circle 
about  to  feed,  but  as  the  light  fails  they  fly  with  increas- 
ing swiftness,  and  the  last  comers  shoot  through  the  dusk 
with  incredilde  rai)idity. 


S!!!'-      ii' 


These  remarks  apply  with  equal  truth  to  all  our  Swal- 
lows ;  it  remains  now  to  briefly  mention  the  characters 
by  which  they  may  be  distinguished  specifically.  The 
four  common  species  are  figured  in  the  frontispiece, 
which  cleai'ly  shows  most  of  their  diagnostic  marks, 
which  are :  Tail  forked,  Barn  Swallow ;  forehead  whit- 
ish, rump  rusty.  Cliff  Sw^allow  ;  a  band  across  the  breast, 
plumage  without  metallic  colors,  Bank  Swallow ;  breast 
pure  white,  Tree  Swallow. 


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it  (•- 


Plate  LXII.  Page  1G9. 

REDSTAllT. 

Loiii^tli,  5.40  iiicht>s.     Aiht//  ma/t-,  band  in  winj^s  ;  base  of  tail  and  sid(>s 

of  l)roast   deep   snlmon;    belly  wliite;  rest    of   })liiniaj;o    Idack.     .ti/ti/i 

female  rtwr/ ^'()//;;i,'.  similar,  l)iit   salmon  replaced  by  yellow;  wpp^r  parts 

grayish  lirown;  under  parts  white;  breast  yt>llowish. 


SWALLOWS. 


mo 


Tlic  Barn  Swallow  Ik  the  tiiost  gcnorally  (liHtrilmted 

of  our  Swallowrt,  Uh  lialtit.s  of  ncrttin^  in  ontlmildinjrrt 

_      .     ,,  making  it  at  homo  whcrover  tiiov  <»ifer 

Barn  Swallow,  "  _ " 

Chtliiioii  't  a  Huitahle  ncHtinif  phu'c.     It  is  Hlx/ut 

irylhrixjnHtii:    HOVt'll  lliclli's  loilj;  ;   fliu  U])I)t'l'  parts   aild 

Hides  ot  the  l)reast  are  8teel-l)iue,  the 
forehead  and  tliroat  eliestnut,  the  rest  of  the  under  parts 
paler ;  the  tail  deeply  forke<l  and  marked  witli  white.  Its 
loiij^  tail  is  a  most  ellieient  nidder,  [)ermittiii<^  the  abrupt 
turns  whieli  make  its  Hij^ht  more  erratic  tlian  that  of  any 
other  of  our  Swallows.  It  skiins  low  over  the  fields,  or 
darts  thi'oii<jfh  the  village  streets  with  a  rapidity  and  indi- 
rectness which  I  never  witness  without  astonishment. 

The  Ikrn  Swallow  arrives  from  its  winter  home  in 
the  troj)ics  about  April  15  and  remains  until  late  in 
Septendier.  Its  nest  is  generally  placed  on  a  l)eam  in 
a  harn  or  other  outbuilding,  and  is  composed  of  mud 
and  grasses  lined  with  feathers. 

The  (yliff  or  Eave  Swallow  is  less  generally  disti'ibuted 

than  the  Barn  Swallow.     It  nests  in  cohmies,  placing  its 

-,,_,  _    „  rows  of  mud  tenements  uiuler  ditVs  in 

Cliff  Swallow, 

ntruchdidon  ^''G  West  and  beneath  the  eaves  of  barns 

luni/rong.  in  the  East.    It  becomes  much  attached 

(Frontispiece.)  ^^^^  locality,  and  when  undisturbed 

returns  to  it  year  after  year,  arriving  from  the  South 
about  May  1,  and  remaining  until  late  September.  It  is 
six  inches  long ;  the  forehead  is  whitish,  the  crown  and 
back  steel-blue,  the  rump  rusty ;  the  throat  chestnut  with 
a  blackish  area ;  the  belly  white. 

Like  the  Clift'  Swallow,  the  Bank  Swallow  nests  in 
colonies,  and  is  very  local  during  the  breeding  season.     A 

Bank  Swallow  sandbank  facing  a  stream  or  pond  is 
cuvii'ohi  riparia.     often  cliosen  for  a  home.      Into  it  a 

(Frontispiuce.)  tunuel  two  or  three  feet  in  length  is 
bored,  and  at  its  end  a  nest  of  grasses  and  feathers  is  built. 


100 


TREE  SWALLOW. 


,i^    ..ii-' 


The  Bank  Swallow  winters  in  the  tropics  and  reaches 
ns  in  the  spring  about  April  20,  remaining  until  late  Sep- 
tember. It  is  the  smallest  of  our  Swallows,  measuring 
«»nly  live  inches  in  length,  and  is  the  only  one,  except  the 
Rough-winged  Swallow,  which  has  no  metallic  coloring 
in  its  plumage,  the  back  being  plain  brownish  gray,  the 
under  jiarts  white,  Avith  a  clearly  deiined  brownish  gray 
band  across  the  breast.  The  Rough-wing  is  a  more  south- 
ern bird,  being  rare  north  of  southern  Connecticut.  It 
resembles  the  Bank  Swallow,  but  difft^rs  chieHy  in  having 
the  whole  breast  brownish  gray.  It  nests  in  holes  hi 
baidvs,  and  also  about  stone  bridges,  trestles,  and  similar 
structures. 

Though  very  generally  distributed,  there  are  large 
areas  within    the    l)reeding  range  of  the  Tree  Swallow 

Tree  Swallow  where  it  is  known  only  as  a  migrant. 
'i\tch;ini,rta  hio.iur.     lu  the  wilder  j)art  of  its  range  it  nests 

(FiHutispiioo.)        jjj   i„j1|q^\'  trees;    hi   the  more  settled 

portions  it  uses  bird-boxes.  During  recent  years,  as  Mr. 
Brewster  has  ivmarked,  the  always-present  House  Spar- 
row has  pre-empted  the  former  abodes  of  the  Tree  Swal- 
low, so  that  it  no  longer  nests  about  our  homes;  but  as 
a  migrant  its  numbers  are  undiminished,  and  it  is  prob- 
ably our  most  almndant  Swallow. 

Ijeing  the  only  Swalh  ^v  to  v  inter  in  the  eastern 
irnited  States,  the  Tree  Swallow  is  the  lirst  to  arrive  in 
the  spring,  coming  to  us  from  Florida  early  in  Ajiril.  It 
is  also  the  iast  of  its  faniilv  to  leave  us  in  the  fall,  often 
remaining  near  New  York  city  until  October  20. 

Immature  birds  have  the  ujiper  parts  brownish  gray 
instead  of  shining  steel-blue,  as  in  the  adult,  but  in  either 
})luuiage  the  bird  may  be  kTiown  by  its  pure  white  under 
]):irts,  which  have  given  to  it  the  name  of  "^Vhite-bellied 
Swallow. 

In  the  northern  United  States  Martins  are  very  local. 


V  \\s 


and  reaches 
til  late  Sep- 
,  measuring 
,  except  tlie 
lie  coloring 
^h  gray,  the 
wnish  gray 
more  soutli- 
ecticnt.  It 
y  in  having 
in  holes  in 
md  similar 

'  are  large 
)e  Swallow 
a  migrant, 
ige  it  nests 
ore  settled 
ars,  as  Mr. 
onse  Spar- 
Tree  Swal- 
les ;  but  as 
it  is  prob- 

lie  eastern 
o  arrive  in 
April.  It 
fall,  often 
!0. 

t^nish  gray 
it  in  either 
hite  nnder 
lite-bellied 

very  local. 


'HS:.. 


<  T  'V*  '    #i' 


■^' 


i\ 


1»K) 


TRKK  SWAl.'.o'Ss'. 


il» 


'r!;c  i:.i!i!'  -  vail '"A-  winters  in  tlio  tropics  and  reaclieM 
li'-  ill  fht  sMiiiu'.  ••Ji>.;i!  A;)ril  20,  reiniiui'ig  until  luto  8op- 
i-'iiil.,  ..     \f  ^^,  r.l,.      -Ml ''est  </f  oi.r  Swallows,  in.Hfiiiinug 

f-c'v  i./f  iiiclir-i  ii:  lc'.P,v'''t.  wnd  's  f>i«  '>?t'v '■)TM\  "\rr],t  flic 
1i";'-.'li- ■•■in'rv,  I  ,  "'■.\  .:ii' '\'. .  >>i:;-  i  mi-  no  nKt;i'lii'  r''if'riitw' 
Ml  ii.'  :i!u!r'i'-  '  ';i"  !  .u-k  ^l■ill-  ;>::!iu  I'l-i.^vn'sli  u'•^'^ ,  : '10 
iiiiiI'M-  Tiit^.  •,',  ;.•._,  x^:''  I  '''r,;''v  rk'tiii'Ml  l.!'. 'Wi.i'^ii  ;;r;iv 
iiJiii'!  ;m1  ii^s  '  <i.  .i"r.:.-',  »'';i'  !u.ii;ih-witl^  i  ■  a  ni<-r«  ^'^-'li'ii- 
i."-ri  !■:,  ',  i-^'i';'..  ■.!'-"  /•)»•*•'  itl'  -•  ■.ItliC'ii  ' '' ■Miii.  ,  !''lit  II 
.:  >f|iii'u',-  i!ir  l-;uik  Swali'n,  l.u!  'liiyii-.-^  <  'li'.■ii^  i,i  i!!tvi;i;x 
M,'    \s  li    ■■     1/M.:uiit    lif  ■n'tn-!^    -jv.ix  If    !\'    '-    i:,    '.nit"-   in 

rii'-.iir!'    A  cr;    j'>  m   (••illy   ili'.lri!jiti'.'.   i!u---'    :i'-e    1;'^^*: 
a.i.ah    witli Ml     u:v    ■  ;     ■  i-:.;j    i';i;;:M-   (•;    tii>'   '1  >i-\'   Swaii-iW 
'A 'V  v    'vFiii,'  I:    I  :t\    a,-   ii    !iii,';i';ii!t. 

»li!    f.«  <    ^'iliv-r  jia.'  ■>•'  ifs  f:,iiii'f_'  ;t   iji-sfs 
:.    'i-.^-'A    I  ri  r  ■  ;     ui    !i»-    luiHT    -cttleii 
jH:irti>i!i-  it  !'.-.        '  '.'.-i.      !>M!;.M^  !<>-f[it  vcisr."-.  as    M;-. 

i'.lX'W.-ti-)-    ii'l.s  i-i  •■,  ./ ..      .       I.,     aiv-.'.y-  I  !i'^L:ir   J  LvJliSO  .'•^  par- ■ 
r.i'v-  iijiv  )'ri'-t;!i;i.!i"i     •         ■iMm'-:-  aiM..i.-s  •)!*  t,!,'-  'i'iV'C  ;>\ra!- 
i>>\v.  >-«i   ijia:  .;  ;■"  \-<.  .  •  -i'     :',liiaii   nur  liuiu*'.- ,   'nv.i  a,- 

■l    lUslTi-  Ul     T-,    illHiili'M-      ■.  .         :  ;   ■.;    ■rC-i.  :Ul'i   if  !:•   |M>i( 

;:!•!;,   •>ur  h'im  :  ,f!)U!"l;i!ii    -'■■..'  ■    ■ 

i    ajr.'ti    Siati--.  Pii      i  "^  >      '-a  t:i"-    •■-   1;  >•    :\V^:   '.i^  arrivo  'P 

tin-  .-i-"!'!.:,  ...■.i!M_r  '     ■"     .     ■■■  :-'>.r.Ma  v.:r'<  i;    A|.ri!.     Il 

i-    '!'-!•        I.-    !:!    I    ■/,    ii.     iOi.,;>     ;..   icM'  I      lU     ill     O'r'     'all,   Ul'lV'il 
';!■    ii:u"!-(.    ,;i;-.U    II 'i  ',!>'    Jmjc.m'    |';|-t-     '••>.>•■<  .Ml.- 1 1    .^l'-^' 

u'.  .5  .;  m!  .-m:'!.;';::  '-'<■.  i  m!  I.-.  ■■,  ;:•  jii-  •»!!);!.  liin  iw  i.iti:-T 
I'";*;  M!.;!  i!i'  '>iril  i!i  i.v  ]<,■  '...mm/,  n  ir:'  it.-  <'.\s'i-  v.'i^iU  iilait'r 
'•  ■:;!■      .\M  !■•■      i,  ,    .     ■■,\  ■■■     ,    .    .1     ;I,       M  '   ':,    .  t    W  '.;'      '  (  |,^■.! 


f       ■. 


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\<1  readies 
I  lato  f^ep- 

<■  ('■■ii'Pnt'. 
iN'tit        I: 

'    Swiiii.'W 
r>.  us    M  !• 

1"-i*   S|):ir- 


..[•.■i(,fV     ij, 

Oil'.'il 

it  !•;>!■ 
UiiiiT 


i'.n_.'.. 


Plate  LXIII.  Paoe  170. 

OVEN-BiRD. 

L(>ii}j;lh,  (MT)  iiu'ht's.     Crown  reddish  brown,  bordorod  by  Mack  ;  back, 
Mlng«,  and  tail  olivo-green;  under  parts  black  and  white. 


"1 


Wi 


CEDAR  WAXWING. 


Ittl 


Purple  Martin, 

I'liiijiii  Hubln. 


Tliey  have  long  since  abandoned  their  habit  of  building  in 
hollow  trees,  and  now  nest  only  about  houses  or  in  lawns 
where  gourds  or  boxes  are  erected  for 
their  occupation.  To  these  they  return 
year  after  year,  arriving  in  the  spring 
about  April  25  and  remaining  until  September.  The 
male  is  uniform  steel-blue,  and  appears  black  in  the  air  ; 
the  female  is  grayisli,  tinged  with  steel-blue  ab.)ve;  the 
breast  is  gray,  the  belly  white.  This  is  the  largest  of 
our  Swallows,  measuring  eight  inches  in  length. 


Waxwtngs.     (Family  AaiPELiDiE.) 

One  of  tlie  two  species  of  Waxwing  is  a  bii-d  of  the  far 
North;  the  other,  our  Cedar  AYaxwing,  is  found  through- 
Cedar  Waxwing,      out  North  America.     Waxwings  pos- 
Ampiiis  mirornm.     scss  in  ail  uuusual  degree  two  charac- 
Piuto  L\  II.  teristics  which  are  not  supposed  to  be 

associated — sociability  and  silence.  None  of  our  birds  is 
more  companionable,  none  more  quiet.  In  their  fondness 
for  one  another's  society  they  seem  to  delay  the  pairing 
season,  and  long  after  other  birds  have  gone  to  house- 
keeping they  are  still  roving  about  in  flocks.  Finally, 
late  in  June,  thev  settle  down  and  build  a  nest  of  ucnerous 
proportions,  often  in  some  fruit  tree,  about  ten  feet  from 
the  ground.  The  three  to  five  eggs  are  pale  bluish  gray 
or  putty-color,  spotted  with  black  or  brownish  black. 

Waxwings  fly  in  close  rank  and  alight  as  near  each 
other  as  the  nature  of  their  perch  will  allow.  They  sit 
very  still,  like  little  Parrots  or  Doves,  but  often  raise  and 
lower  their  crests,  and  perhaps  whisper  a  fine  lis])ing  note, 
which  is  prolonge;!  into  a  louder  call — a  string  of  beady 
notes — as  they  take  wing. 

Their  fare  varies  with  the  season — cedar  berries,  straw- 
berries, cherries,  both  cultivated  and  wild,  the  berries 
23 


B: 


162 


NORTHERN   SHRIKE. 


of  tlio  woodbine,  sour  gum,  and  others  being  taken  in 
turn. 

In  August  the  Wax  wing  shows  no  mean  gifts  as  a 
iiycatt'her,  wliilo  as  a  dustroyer  of  tlie  cankerworm  he  is 
especially  beneficial,  rej)aying  us  with  interest  for  the 
fruit  he  may  hav(i  ai)i)roj)riate(l  earlier  in  the  season. 

The  AVaxwing's  wide  range  and  ability  to  withstand 
great  extremes  in  temj)erature  are  (loul)tless  due  to  the 
ease  with  which  it  adaj)ts  itself  to  a  change  in  fare.  It 
nests  from  \'irginiato  Labrador,  and  winters  from  Massa- 
chusetts to  Costa  liiea. 


l.iiiii  ii" 
I'lato  l.VUI. 


Shrikkh.    (Family  Laniid^e.) 

The  marked  diifereiice  in  the  tem])erament  of  birds  is 
em])hasized  by  finding  among  the  song  birds,  who  feed 
Northern  Shrike  *^*"  ^•■lli^  seeds,  and  insects,  a  bird  wlio 
'/.'///.s.  in  las  position  and  choice  of  food  is 
truly  hawklike.  Shrikes  are  solitary, 
never  assembhng  in  tiocks  or  .associating  with  other  birds. 
Their  days  are  (hiys  of  waiting,  varied  by  a  j)()unce  upon 
some  unfortunate  field  mouse  or  dasli  into  a  flock  of  un- 
suspecting Sparrows.  Ihit,  while  tliey  resendde  the  Hawks 
in  these  respects,  tlieir  manner  of  ea])turing  their  j)rey  dif- 
fers from  tliat  of  their  hu'ger  i^rototypes.  The  Shrike 
has  a  Hawk's  bill  but  a  S])arrow's  foot,  and,  kicking  the 
jmwerful  talons  which  make  so  deadly  a  weajx)!!,  he  cap- 
tures his  prey  with  his  strong  mandibles.  Possibly  it  may 
be  due  to  his  comparatively  weak  feet  that  he  pursues  the 
singular  custom  of  impaling  his  prey  on  some  thorn  or 
hanging  it  from  a  crotch  where  he  can  better  dissect  it. 

The  Shrike,  or  Butcher-bird,  as  he  is  also  called,  be- 
longs to  a  large  family,  but,  with  the  exception  of  his 
smaller  cousin  the  Loggerhead,  he  is  the  only  one  of  the 
two  hundred  known  species  found  in  America.    He  nests 


/j^''.«^  ■; ;•(•/.'.  ,^/|W:<'^-p'.' 


It 


ir  taken  in 


gifts  as  a 
vorin  he  is 
!st  for  the 
leason. 

witlistand 
line  to  the 
n  fare.  It 
'oni  Massa- 


s*. 


y      t 


'      '  / 


-<.. 


,*.«^. 


T'-'?. 


,  .-  ^ 


^ 


!&^ 


W: 


of  birds  is 
,  who  feed 
I  bird  wlio 
of  food  is 
•e  solitary, 
thor  birds, 
imce  upon 
k  of  uii- 
le  Hawks 
prey  (Hf- 
le  Slirike 
ic'king  tlie 
,  lie  cap- 
ly  it  may 
sues  the 
tlioru  or 
ssei't  it. 
ailed,  be- 
on  of  his 
lie  of  the 
lie  nests 


Ul'! 


^   "   .•      '■ 


^  i.. 


■i''y-': 


2   - '   ''"^"^i? 


t* 

^,\'*^ 


«^' 


/  f\ 


■  /  i 


^C 


Sr  ■  ■■'■ 


Vf^'f 


v 


i 


i 


I 


'S 


I 


iv.\ 


.'■■¥ 


\U 


rO«'-WJp  MR^'.tT  'J  .»*i.«Qrili-.i*" 


1-;:.' 


NOHTIIKI.'N    MUi'llK. 


'I    '!•>'   ".■■  fx.'D'it:!-,    -'ii'-  i:--':!i,   :i;'i!   :>rl,.r'   lM>i;i^-   t:,!^,..,    if^ 
til  -L 

111   ,\'i!''i!i    ill'.'  ^■•'''   'wvi'i-;    ,-li'.v>'-    iiM   tiiC'.i!!    i.-"!!',-  .i<  a 
fl',  (   ircli*  r,  \^ 'lilr     ;^  M  (It'st!   ^' CI-  i.f    till'  <  iiiik.  ••\N.--ii:    in;  i.' 

iriM    !.>•  I!,  i_V  !l,.H'  ,ii'ii.--.:.ri:i!  _  il  ..Mii'r*'  in   ll'^'  <i;.!>iiiu 

i  lie    \\'.!  V.',    r,;;''.-;    ,■.!••     riti^,'    ill,.'    ;i!-.;tit\     pi    'A  irll-'  Mil] 

,'1'    il    iV    ii"i"-     III     I.  :lijv   I  .1:  ii;*!      ..I'-'     1-ililil  ir--,  dru'    li>  f!|r 

■  •a-^-    W  it!,     .,  ili     II     1'     .:.'       .1-     ,[■■■](     '..    ;;    c-i):;  ■ ,  c^r,  •    i:i    l',;,-,  .  [i 

'>'■-!    'i''i:'  '^  iiL-ii.  :i>  L ''-j-iiM..,'.  a."!  '-untrrj  iV-nii  .M;i>.-,;i- 


■IIKiK! 


■- Vl!,\     i    \v;!,  .V. 


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iiM'ii!:- ;;■■  !   '^     li.i'''.'^:     uiiiii  :   'in-    -!<>,■    |p:!.i.-,  '.<,}•■>  fci- ! 

•  '      ■  1      ,'i      ,      i'  •'.'i   uii'i     '•!, •■!■(;    di"    ii>i).|    :.-■ 

-  >  I  -1     ••<  ^.i'i'.i';  \;illi  <■'■  Im'V  i;;ri!s, 

■  .;  ■!,!  il  ;i!!ii  ;■    i!('ik  .  )'    ivi 


111'  ^    r    --1  i;,  'li-'.i?  ri 
Ti,(.'ii  .^>,  ••   il     ■!..-     ,, 
■-■'li..'  aiiNii'  ill  i'.    'i'-;. 


!  ;fi!.  ■'    .'' 


I   ■  'IMuT 


V  !'i'-riiHii"  :  11''  I  rivvkf 


'I'f-    li'ij".     Mni     ••;     !.'a.';!-     ;, !■!.•■!■:■     ]  .1  .'i'l!  \  jT!-.    _      !M'    ^liriUi 


I, 


1  •!  •■,' 


IV     I 


i'liwt.  .inil,  ii'ck!!;.'-  ih'. 


V, '  •.})..»..  ti>    (.-.•q.'- 


|ii.\;-'  rjii     ••  |n'i-    .\  i,.  ■;,    ■.•  ;',,    -..    |,-  :,'',-. 

''li'f-  '  ^^  I  >!!■■,    ;\  ,ili  !.'■    ■;>■'.  Mr  ,  nil  ii.il'  !<•-.       r  ---I'lj  V  ir  iiiiiV 
"■•!!)<'    .   Ill-    .•;•;'■   i':il  ■  '■    V,    •;n,    i'l'i        tll.'M    111     j -li :' -ili>  1  I , . 

:-  "  •  'i...i'     i  -il  M'   .1    il!' . ' '! .,,,.    ii:  •    ;>r',  .   ■  'ii    -•  .imi'    ,  !'■  ■!  "i   • 
'i'  -'U'i. !■.:  'i   i  ;■'  -:u    ■  '•;■•!(!:■  '^  I  '■!>-  iii'  ■  ■. n  li.-i i.'i  '1:  •  •  ■  ■  it. 

'  I     ■;  •     II'       'r-    •■  I    ••(■:!!',.    '  i<   - 


I   ic.      '^■'■:  ,hC,    n.-    i  ,;.l-.   iii'l- 


!     '•  -      ' .  1     . 


t 


■  :  ;'i. 


I  • 


■ '  1     I  !  ■        I  I .       '.'■.._■*■ 


■'■....!     ' 
f-    1 


I 


:'■       .1  ■;!!    '■,•■•■' 


-•  ■    ' .  1  ■• 


!i..   -i 


H 


I 


I  if  ii'iifUi  hataateaHifc— aw 


/\\\-  .{<  a 

'•fill    iic  i.' 

^:    (■>':    th^■. 

■Mull. 
'A  till-'  Mill 

hu'   I.'   r!ir 
Mil   .M:i--;i- 


Sir.)  V.  i;  ) 
if    !ii! hi    :> 

-■'ii'JifV, 

u;iu;i 

!'     >  ^  '  ! 

J  rivvk..- 
-  vlii 

k;n..-  (!,..■ 

•     c:ii>- 

r  i..;i\' 

:,-;■;!.• 

■  :  ■]   ■ 

h. 


Plate  LXIV, 


Paoe  171. 


MARYLAND  YELLOW-THROAT. 

LoiiRtli,  ry'M)  iiu'li(>s.  .h/iiU  male.  fnc«  black,  honlcnvl  by  nsliy;  luii'k 
()liv('->,'r(>('n:  bi'cast  yellow;  belly  paler.  Adult  ft  male,  9:\\\\\\;w,  but  no 
blaek  on  face;  uiulor  parts  paler. 


\ 


m'.\  I 
I' 


11 

■  ki 


VIBEOS. 


103 


within  tlio  Arctic  Circle,  nnd  in  Octol)er  jonmcvR  flontli- 
ward,  rarely  as  far  as  Virjjfiiiia,  and  remains  in  the  United 
States  nntil  A])ril  or  ^[ay. 

The  Loggerhead  Shrike  is  comnion  in  the  Southern 
States  and  Mississippi  Valley,  whence  it  has  a])pareiitly 
extended  eastward  through  central  New  York  to  Vei'- 
mont  and  Araine.  It  nests  in  these  States,  hut  southward 
to  Maryland  is  known  only  as  a  rare  migrant — a  unicine 
case  in  distrihution.  It  ditfers  from  the  Northern  Shrike 
in  heing  an  inch  and  a  quarter  smaller,  in  the  ahsence  of  the 
wavy  hars  on  the  hreast,  which  is  j)uro  white,  and  in  hav- 
ing jet-hlack  lores  and  a  narrow  hlack  line  across  the  fore- 
head at  the  hase  of  the  hill.  Its  song  is  cnakij  and  un- 
musical, hut  the  song  of  the  Northern  Shrike,  as  de- 
scrihed  by  Mr,  Brewster,  is  "  really  pleasing,"  and  "  not 
unlike  that  of  the  Thrasher,  but  more  disconnected  and 
less  loud  and  varied." 


ViREOs.    (Family  Vireonid^.) 

Vireos  are  gleaners,  and  are  to  be  distinguished  from 
other  tree-inhabiting,  greenish  birds  of  the  same  size  by 
their  habit  of  carefully  exploring  the  under  surface  of 
leaves  and  various  nooks  and  corners  in  the  bark  and 
foliage,  while  the  more  active  Warblers  are  flitting  about 
the  terminal  twigs  and  the  Flycatchers  are  swinging  out 
in  aerial  loops  at  passing  insects. 

They  are  highly  musical  little  birds,  having  songs  and 
call -notes  which  may  be  quickly  recognized  once  they 
are  known.  The  nests  and  eijics  of  our  four  sunnner- 
resident  species  are  so  much  alike  that  they  arc  to  be 
known  only  when  accompanied  by  their  owners.  The 
White-eyed  Vireo  inhabits  thickets  and,  as  a  rule,  builds 
nearer  the  ground  than  the  arboreal  Red-eyed,  Yellow- 
throated,  and  Warbling  Vireos.     The  ue^ts  are  small, 


It '.4 


IlKD-KYKI)   VIIIKO. 


IV^ 


iti 


piMiclillkc  alTiiirs  of  Ktripn  of  pliiililc  Itiirk,  l»itpi  uf  doiid 
w»hk1,  pliiiit-lilii'rs,  tiMulrilrt,  tim;  ^russos,  (.'tc,  tiniilv  iiitrr- 
wovt'ii  and  suspeiidod  t'nmi  tlio  anu8  of  a  forked  twif;. 
Tlie  c'^i^rt  aro  white,  with  a  few  Mack  or  i)i-owiiiHli  hiack 
Hpotrt,  t'hiotly  ai)out  tlie  larijor  end. 

Tlio  Vireo.~i  are  an  exeliiisively  Aniericiin  family,  and 

nund)er  sonie    fifty   species,   of  which    seven    reach    the 

Red-eyed  Vireo        nortlieastern  States.     Of  tiiese,   hy  far 

I  inn  ,,/,r-i<>iin.        the    most    commiMi     is    the     Ked-eyed 

I'liiti' i,ix.  \'ireo.     There  aro  few  favorahk;  locali- 

ties in  eastern  North  America  where,  in  the  sunnuer, 
one  may  n(»t  hear  the  cheerful  s()nfj;  of  this  bird.  Still, 
it  is  so  well  protected  l»y  the  f«)liai'e,  with  which  its 
plunia;;e  aj;rees  in  color,  that  to  those  whose  ear  is  not 
attuned  to  the  music  of  birds  it  is  unknown.  IJut  listen 
near  some  ^rove  of  elms  or  maples,  and  you  will  not  fail 
to  hear  its  song— a  somewhat  broken,  randtling  recitative, 
which  no  one  has  described  so  well  as  Wilson  Flagg,  who 
calls  this  bird  the  Preacher,  and  intcri)rets  its  notes  as 
*'  Vou  see  it  — you  know  it — do  you  hear  me  i — do  you  be- 
lieve it  ? "  The  Ked-eye  evidently  has  an  in(piiriiii>'  mind, 
for  he  never  tires  of  asking  these  questions.  He  not 
only  sings  all  day,  but  seems  unaifected  by  t'  e  heat  of 
summer,  and  at  midday  is  often  the  only  bird  t')  i)e  heard. 
One  would  imagine  that  few  birds  had  a  more  even  tem- 
perament than  this  calm-voiced  singer,  but  when  annoyed 
he  utters  a  complaining  uthanij — a  sound  which  is  a  good 
indication  that  something  is  wrong  in  the  bird  world. 

The  lied-cye  winters  in  the  tro])ics,  and  reaches  us  in 
the  spring  about  IVfay  1,  remaining  until  October  15. 

A  near  relative  of  tlie  Ked-eye's  is  the  Warbling 
Yireo — a  somewhat  smaller  bird,  with  a  brown,  in  place 
of  red  eye,  and  without  the  black  margin  above  the  white 
eye-line  which  can  be  so  easily  seen  in  the  Ked-eye.  The 
Warbling  Vireo  is  the  less  connnon  of  the  two,  and  is 


Wi  \  \ 


w^ 


■*  (»f  (li'iid 
inly  iiitiT- 
•kod  twi^'. 
iiiKli  hliu'k 

iiiily,  ami 

reiich   tlie 

e,  l»v  far 

Red-eved 

l)l(.'  locidi- 

suiiimcr, 

xl     Still, 

wliicli   its 

MV  is  not 

l>ut  listen 

1  not  fail 

•ecitativL', 

lagi,^  who 

notes  as 

o  you  l)t'- 

uiX  mind, 

He  not 

leat  of 

)e  heard. 

en  teni- 

annoyed 

is  a  good 

rid. 

les  us  in 
r  15. 
Garbling 
in  place 
le  white 
e.  The 
,  and  is 


"^ .  • .  ■  'X  iT,;"^^ 


■^. 


■;«•>*'' 


-  i 


0 


'* 


%i 


't'.. 


M 


.«^' 


r 


r^Tf ' 


■''■-■  '  '■i'?'-'' :  ,:>!  ^  ■^^^V',!^,:;. 


S       '. 


•)    i:\  :.!i  vff; 


M!'-Il. 


i'l. 


(I  '     If 


I  ii  ■;  'I  .'■      I  "I  i!  1 1 


d 


.'''lit 

It*! 


H'i 


*;t 


•'(•i'll    i^i.-l' 


t'h        P)   i.l 


1.  M-!'.       I'O' 


I  .    -itnl 


.•>'"■'  I     •■   '      ■       ~  I     ' 

I  I  ,     •  1  '    ,;       :  i  I  I    •  i  ;    ■ 
< ' !  I  r .  ■  1   ■  ■  i ',     I  , !    !    ,  1  '     I 
(  )  1 . 1  ■    ,  >    .  I  M '  I    .  ■  1 :  ■  ■  ■  I  •  1 1 

',.■   ::!'-      ■    i       1,;  ).'    ■■  .'■  ^     ■     ' 
wj.'ii  .-it.',    l'     "    -,.';;.'  ',!i   •  -   .-    ' 
!    II     I  ''  '•  I  t ,    <■    \\  .  :■  I  ■  r  .   . ,  •   : 


i  !■  .  V 


M!,    ,  Ii^'  M 


•>!■ 


\  '':•  '. 


.         ■  I'    ■       ,f         !!■     ■     ,ii 


\ 


111  ii 


|.  ■    1    !     1  ■•.       . 
I        \  ■-  1,     :,      ' 


I 


,<•:  ,..  ih- 


>iiu: 


11  ■!       ' 


I'll 


fV.  '••  '-'I 


•)'    i, 


)^  !;. 


iiu: 


Plate  LXV.  Page  172. 

YELLOW-BREASTED  CHAT. 

Loiigth,  7--;      iiiclics.    UpiuM'  jmrts  t)liv('-f;r(M>ii;    ln'oast  yellow;   liclly 

wiiilo;  loros  l)lack,  tiordfred  l)y  white. 


li 


Iii^      =  !i 


•!ii( 


VIREOS. 


165 


Warbling  Vireo, 

lino  ijihua. 


more  local,  showing  a  marked  fondness  for  rows  of  elms 
— a  taste  which  makes  it  a  dweller  in  towns  and  villages. 
Its  so!!g  bears  no  resemblant  e  to  that 
of  the  Ked-eye,  being  a  continuous, 
flowing  warl)le,  wivh  an  alto  imder- 
tone,  suggestive  of  the  song  of  the  Purple  Finch. 

Tl)<3  Warbling  Vireo  arrives  from  its  winter  home  in 
the  tropics  about  May  5,  and  remains  until  late  in  Sep- 
tember. 

Although  the  Yellow-throated  Vireo  is  least  like  the 
lied- eye  in  color,  it  resembles  it  the  most  closely  in  choice 
YeUow-throated  of  haunts  and  in  song.    Still,  the  Yellow- 

Vireo,  throat's  song  is  sung  more  deliberately 
Vireo jtavi/rniix.       and  witli   longer  pauses   between   the 
'"*''  '  *  ■  parts,  while  in   tone  it  is  deeper  and 

richer.  To  my  mind  he  says  :  "  See  nie  ;  I'm  here ;  where 
are  you  ? "  repeating  the  (piestion  in  varying  forms. 
Karely  he  utters  a  beautiful,  mellow  trill  which  suggests 
the  song  of  the  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet,  and  he  has  also 
a  cach'/i(/,  scolding  note  like  that  of  the  White-eye. 
The  Yellow -throat's  nest  is  often  a  more  elaborate  struc- 
ture than  those  of  our  other  Vireos,  being  thickly  cov- 
ered with  lichens,  which  add  greatly  to  its  beauty. 

Like  the  two  preceding  sjiecies,  the  Yellow-throat 
winters  in  the  tropics,  and  reaches  the  latitnde  of  New 
York  city  about  ^lay  1.  It  does  not,  however,  remain 
as  long  as  its  relatives,  leaving  us  about  Septend)er  15, 

The  White-eyed  \'^ireo  is  the  genius  of  his  family. 

What   the   Chat  is  among  Warblers  the  White-eye   is 

among   Vireos — a    peculiar,    eccenti'ic 

White-eyed  Vireo,     ^^j^.^j  '^^  ^^  character,  who  regards 

mankind  with  disa})})roval,  and  will 
have  ncme  of  us.  Excellent  reasons  these  why  we 
Bhould  court  his  accpiaintance. 

Unlike  our  other  Vireos,  the  AVhite-eye  lives  in  the 


KIG 


WARBL?]RS. 


iV'i 


\&l 


lower  growtli ;  thickets  of  cat-brier  arc  his  favorite 
haunts.  He  is  therefore  nearer  our  level,  and  seems  to 
adih'css  us  more  directly  than  do  the  liirds  that  call  from 
the  tree  tops.  If  you  linger  near  his  home  he  will  incpirc 
your  business  with  a  vigorous  "  I  say,  who  are  you,  eh  ?" 
and  if  you  do  not  take  this  hint  to  move  on  he  will 
doul)tless  follow  it  with  a  scolding  whose  intent  is  unmis- 
ta!;able.  He  has  a  vai-iety  of  exckunatory  calls,  and 
sometimes  nray  be  heard  softly  singing  a  song  composed 
largely  of  imitations  of  the  notes  of  other  birds. 

The  White-eye  can  easily  be  known  from  the  Tled-eye 
and  "Warbling  Vircos  by  the  narrow  white  bands  across 
the  tips  of  its  wing-coverts.  In  this  respect  it  resembles 
the  Yellow-throat,  from  which  it  is  to  be  distinguished 
by  its  smaller  size  (length  5"25  inches),  white  iris,  and 
white  breast,  oidy  the  sides  of  tiie  breast  being  tuiged 
with  yellow.  It  winters  from  Florida  southward,  and 
reaches  us  in  the  s])ring  about  May  1,  to  remain  until 
October. 


ii'r 


Warblers.    (Family  Mniotiltip.^.) 

Warblers  maybe  described  as  among  our  most  abun- 
dant, most  beaut'ful,  iind  least-known  birds.  Of  the 
thirty-five  species  regularly  found  in  the  nortlieastern 
States,  only  three  or  four  are  familiar  to  the  casual  ob- 
server. The  presence  of  the  others  is  unsuspected,  and 
when  some  chance  brings  one  of  these  cxcpiisite  little 
creatures  into  our  lives,  the  event  is  attended  by  •^11  the 
excitement  of  an  actual  discovery.  AVe  never  forget  our 
tli'st  Warbler. 

It  is  liecause  we  do  not  see  Wai-blers  unless  we  look 
for  them  that  they  are  strangers  to  so  many  persons  who 
go  to  the  woods.  They  are,  with  some  exceptions,  small 
birds  of  limited  \ocal  powers.     They  live  in  the  tree  tops, 


(lis  favorite 
1(1  seems  to 
lit  call  from 

will  inquire 
G  you,  eh  ? " 

on  lie  will 
nt  is  unmis- 
r  calls,  and 
^  composed 
ils. 

[■he  Red-eye 
»ands  across 
it  resemblee 
istinifiiislied 
ite  iris,  and 
eiiiijj  tinged 
liward,  and 
emain  until 


) 

most  abun- 
!s.  Of  the 
lortlieastern 

casual  ob- 
pected,  and 
[uisite  little 

by  "  li  the 
■  forget  our 


/'i 

f  ;■ 


U^ 


■»-1 


¥ 


%  ■■■■■ 


V^-' 


"^-'^  , ' 


1  ■^-■■-■- 


■%.„ 


"*^ 


%, 


3SS  we  look 
tersons  who 
tions.  small 
te  tree  tops, 


-i 


vV  \r'';.i,|; 


0 
* 


1,  •  A    ■■' 


,■11 


Pl.vtk  LXVI. 


MOCKINGRIRD. 


Page  174. 


I.('ii;i;tli.  l()'.")(t  iiiclios.     r|)]M>r  [liirts  ashy  ^ray;  winj^s  and  tail  lnowiiish 
lilack  and  wliitc;  iitidi-r  pai'ls  wliKc. 


4 


BLACK   ANT)  WIIITK  WARBLEU. 


167 


and  tlicir  lispiiifjf  notes  Ideiid  with  otlicr  woodland  voices 
without  nttnietin<i;  our  iittcntion. 

M'ly  iind  Septeinher  are  the  months  for  Warblers. 
Some  species  arrive  in  April,  but  they  are  most  Jiumer- 
ons  between  ^[ay  5  and  15,  whoii  the  woods  are 
throufied  with  their  ilittinif  forms.  Less  than  half  of  our 
t'irty-tive  sj)e('ies  remain  to  liret-d  ;  the  others  i>o  to  their 
.-.unuuer  homes  in  the  coniferous  forests  of  the  ^'  Ii. 
These  northern  birds  return  in  the  latter  part  of  ,i<^ust 
and  abound  in  Septend)er.  Many  of  the  Warblers  seen 
at  this  season  are  immature  birds  wearinij;  phin)ages  so 
different  from  those  of  the  adult  birds  ston  in  the  spring, 
that  their  identity  is  not  suspected,  ami,  in  effect,  they 
are  new  birds  to  us. 

To  the  field  ornithologist  Warblers  are  thei-efore  the 
most  difficult  as  well  as  the  most  fascinating  birds  to 
study.  Long  after  the  Sparrows,  Flycatchers,  and  Vii'eos 
have  been  mastered,  there  will  be  unsolved  problems 
among  the  Warblers.  Some  rare  species  will  be  left  to 
look  foi" — it  may  be  a  member  of  the  band  llitting  about 
actively  in  the  branches  above  us — and  in  the  hope  of 
finding  it  we  eagerly  examine  bird  after  bird  until  our 
enthusiasm  yields  to  an  aching  neck. 

Accpiaintance  with  more  familiar  birds  will  doubtless 

arouse  the  enthusiasm  necessary  to  a  successful  pursuit  of 

Black  and  White        Warblers,  but  in  the  meanwhile  I  will 

Warbler,  niention  only  those  species  that  can  be 

MiiiotUhi  varia.       most  easily  observed.     Among  them  is 

I'latf  LX.  ^j^g  j3],^^,|,  .^jj^j  ^yjjj^g  Warbler,  whose 

habit  of  creeping  or  clindnng  over  trunk  and  limb  aids 
in  his  identification,  lie  is  a  summer  resident,  and  about 
April  2U  we  may  expect  to  hear  the  thin,  wiry  see-see- 
sce-sce  notes  which  form  his  song.  A  month  later  we 
may  find  his  nest,  placed  on  the  ground  i!t  the  base  of 
a  stump  or   stone  and   containing  four  or  five  white 


>      !i 


ii'i; 


168 


WAIMJLKUS. 


Pij^s  speckled  with  reddish  l)rowii,  chiefly  at  the  livrger 
end. 

The  Vellow  Warliler  is  also  a  smmiier  resident,  arriv- 
injj  in  the  spring  about   April   MO  and   renmininji^,  with 

the  IMack-and-white  Warhh'r,  until  late 
Yellow  Warbler,      j,,  Septeniher.     It  has  the  jreneral  ap- 

pearaiice  of  heinj:;  an  entirely  yellow 
hird,  and  is  sonietinios  called  "  Wild  Canary,"  hut  it  has 
a  much  more  slender  hill  than  the  (binary,  and  its  breast 
is  sj)otte(l  with  reddish  brown.  Most  Warblers  are  wood- 
inhal)itin_i>;  birds,  but  the  Vellow  Warbler,  nidike  its  rela- 
tives, ]U'et'ers  lawns,  parks,  and  orchards  to  woodlands. 
Its  nest,  of  line  <^rasses,  fibers,  and  a  lar<>;e  amount  of  cot- 
tony plant-down,  is  placed  in  shrubbery  or  shade  trees. 
Its  egiijs  are  bluish  white,  thickly  marked  with  cinnamon 
and  olive-brown. 

The  niack -throated  Green  Warbler  nests  in  pine  for- 
ests from  southern   Xew    England    northward,  arriving 

B,   ,  ..      .  ,  from  the  South  about  May  1  and  re- 

Blaok-throated  .    ,  *' 

Green  Warbler,   maimiig    nntd    October.     Its    nest    is 
ihiiiiroi.;!  i-h;„.-<.      usuallv  pku'cd  in   ])ine  trees;  its  eggs 
riiite  LXI.  .^j,y  \\i,ite,  spotted  and   speckled  with 

dark  bi-own. 

The  songs  of  many  Warblers  arc  possessed  of  so  little 
character  that  the  best  descrij)tiou  conveys  no  idea  of 
them,  but  the  (piaint  zee-st'e,  zce-ce^  zee  of  the  Black- 
throated  Green,  which  l\Ir.  Burroughs  writes v  — •, 

will  be  readily  recognized. 

The  ]\Iyrtle  or  Vellow-rumped  AVarbler  nests  from 

northern  New  England  northward,  and  in  winter  is  the 

Myrtle  Warbler,      only  Warbler  to  roTnain  in  the  North- 

i>,i„Ii;h,i ox-oimta.     cvw  States,   being  often   found   as  far 

I'hiiu  I. XI.  north    as    Xew    York    city,   when   its 

favorite  food  of  bayberries  can  be  procured.      At  this 

season  there  is  little  or  no  black  on  the  breast  and  the 


,« 


i 

I 


mi-ii 


;  the  larger 


•U'lit,  urriv- 

liiiiiig,  witli 

r,  until  late 

goiieral  ap- 

•ely  yellow 
"  Imt  it  has 

1  its  breast 

s  are  wood- 

ike  its  rela- 

woodlaiids. 

)in)t  of  t'ot- 

liade  trees. 

cinnainon 

n  pine  for- 

1,  arriving 

1  and  re- 

's   nest    is 

i;  its  eggs 
'kled  with 

of  so  little 

lo  idea  of 

he  Hlack- 

V        , 

ests  from 

ter  is  the 

lie  Xorth- 

1 

id  as  far 

1 

when   its 

1 

At  this 

1 

1 
■S 

;  and  the 

At.r<\ftS't  SeV!t>w^V>j»w^M*fr 


Platk  LXVII.  Vuir.  17") 

r.I?(nV\  THRASHEK. 

Lcn^'tli,  n-4(»  iiiclics.     rppcr  pfirts  lirij,'lit   reddish  hrowii  ;  iukIim'  itarts 
wiiilc  and  hliick  :  cvos  yellow. 


1 1 


Pi'  '■:  i| 


UKDSTART. 


ir)!> 


Imck  is  "jjniyish  brown,  Imt  tliis  WtirMor  iiiiiy  alwavH  bo 
known  hy  its  four  piitchctt  of  yellow  unci  It.s  I'hunu'tcriHtu! 
ciiU-noto  of  f(7ti/>. 

Tliu  Ro(lstir-t  l)ol(»ngrt  to  the  <jroup  of  fly-cntcliinfj; 
WurMers,  and,  as  an  indicatioti  of  its  innnnor  of  fcediiiff, 

Eed»tart  '''^  '''"  '"  '"•'<'''  l>'"'>iider  and  tlattor  than 

Stt<'/'/i'i;i,i  ruiiniia.     is  usual  ill  tlus  faiuily.     Tlie  Iledstart  in 

I'luto  i.xii.  ,^,t  „y  patient  and  nietliodi(t  a  flycatcher 
as  the  birds  to  whom  this  name  rightly  belonfjjs.  They 
sit  (jnietly  until  some  insect  c(»mes  within  reach,  and  tiien 
with  uiierrin<ij  aim  launch  out  at  it,  returning'  to  their 
perch  to  devour  it  at  leisure.  Hut  the  Redstart  darts 
here  and  there,  falls  and  rises  and  s[)ins  about,  catchinj; 
an  insect  at  every  turn  and  at  the  same  time  displaying 
his  bright  colors  to  such  advantage  that  he  seems  the 
most  beautiful  as  he  is  the  most  animated  bird  of  the 
woods.  As  he  pirouettes  from  limb  to  limb,  with  drooi)e(l 
wings  and  spread  tail,  he  sings  ncr-wee  .swec,  swee-ec,  a 
snnple  but  merry  little  jiugle. 

The  Redstart's  bright  colors,  like  some  nmrk  of 
special  distinction,  are  not  ac([uircd  at  once.  The  young 
male  must  pass  through  a  period  of  probation  before  he 
is  worthy  to  wear  the  orange-red  and  bla:;k.  In  the 
meantime  he  appears  first  in  the  costume  of  the  female, 
and  by  successive  changes  reaches  the  full  dignity  of 
Redstart  estate  at  the  age  of  three  years.  He  nests, 
however,  the  first  year,  when  his  plumage  closely  re- 
sembles that  of  his  mate.  The  nest,  of  fine  strips  of 
bark,  plant-down,  and  other  materials,  is  built  in  the 
crotch  of  a  sapling  ten  to  twenty  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  eggs  are  grayish  white  or  bluish  white,  spotted  and 
blotched,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  with  eiimamon  and 
olive-brown.  They  are  laid  about  May  28 — four  weeks 
after  the  bird's  arrival  from  the  South. 

All  the  "Warblers  thus  far  mentioned  are  tree-inliabit- 
24 


170 


OVEN-BIRD. 


ing  birds,  but  the  species  now  to  be  spoken  of  pass  most 
of  their  time  in  tlie  nndcri^rowth  or  on  tlie  ground.     The 

Oven-bird  Oven-bird    chooses  the   latter  locality. 

tieiiinii<<viro,;iju/hii.    He   lias  bceu  Well    compared   by   Mr, 

I'latei.xiii.  Burroughs  to  a  little  Partridge,  and  if 
you  have  enough  perseverance  to  find  the  author  of  the 
sharp  (7u'('j)  with  which  this  somewhat  suspicious  bird 
will  greet  you,  you  will  see  a  modestly  attired  little 
walker  daintily  picking  his  way  over  the  leaves  and  fallen 
branches,  with  crest  slightly  erect,  and  head  nodding  at 
each  step. 

Probably,  however,  your  first  acquaintance  with  tlie 
Oven-bird  will  be  made  through  the  medium  of  his  song. 
There  are  few  bits  of  woodland  where  in  A[ay  and  June 
you  can  not  hear  Jiumljers  of  these  birds  singing.  It  is  a 
loud,  ringing,  crescendo  chant,  to  which  Mr.  Burroughs's 
description  of  "teacher,  tcdc/tcr,  TKJiciiKR,  TEACHER, 
TEACHER  "  is  so  api)licable  that  no  one  would  think  of 
describing  it  in  any  other  way.  The  bird  seems  to  exert 
himself  to  the  utmost,  and  no  one  hearing  this  far  from 
musical  performance  would  imagine  that  he  could  im- 
prove upon  it.  But  if  some  evening  during  the  height 
of  the  mating  season  you  will  visit  the  Oven-bird's 
haunts,  von  m.av  hear  a  song  whose  wildness  is  startling. 
It  is  the  flight-song  of  the  Oven-bird,  transforming  the 
humble  chanter  into  an  inspired  nnisician.  Soaring  high 
above  the  trees,  he  gives  utterance  to  a  rapid,  ecstatic 
warbling  so  uidike  his  ordinary  sc ng  that  it  is  difficult  to 
believe  one  bird  is  the  author  of  them  both. 

As  an  architect  the  Oven-bird  is  also  distinguished. 
llis  unicpie  nest  is  built  on  the  ground  of  coarse  grasses, 
wee(.l  stalks,  leaves,  and  rootlets,  and  is  roofed  over^  the 
entrance  being  at  one  side.  It  thus  resembles  an  old- 
fashioned  Dutch  oven,  and  its  shape  is  the  origin  of  its 
builder's  name.     The  Oven-bird  arrives  from  the  South 


I 


i 
1 


-.1. 


u 


of  pass  most 
ground.  The 
itter  locality, 
irecl  hy  Mr. 
:ridgc,  and  if 
mtlior  of  the 
s])icious  bird 
attired  little 
es  and  fallen 
I  nodding  at 

lee  Avith  the 
I  of  his  soiiir. 
ay  and  June 
;ing,     it  is  a 

IJlUTOUghs's 

rEACIIER, 

uld  think  of 
ems  to  exert 
lis  far  from 

0  could  im- 
:  the  height 
Oven-hird's 
is  startling, 
'ormiiig  the 
oaring  high 
)id,  ecstatic 
3  difficult  to 

^tingiiished. 
rse  grasses, 
'd  over,  the 
)les  an  old- 
rigin  of  its 

1  the  South 


■fl'- 


H^" 


;,•*%•'■ 


■At  J  •. 


t-x.    , 


•Tt, 


'     i^ 


y^- 


"  X^ 


'-<!>>. 


If 


-•r^**'" 


■'■( 


170 


OVEN-BIRD. 


VW  i 


ing  biiHJf',  but  tlie  spooies  now  to  l>e  spoken  of  ])as>s  tiiost 
of  tlu'Jr  t-inu-'iii  the  undt  rirrovytli  or  on  the  ground.     The 

OTen-bird  O'.cu-hird   ch<JOBes  the    latter   lowility. 

litivrus nii'-ocapdii^.    Ilo  has  been  nx'll   compared   t)y   T>!r. 

FiawLXiii,.  BniTougli-  to  ii  bttle  Partridge,  amt  if. 
sow  haYi;  t'UCKjfrh  )»inNOver;uH  !'  to  iind  the  untho)'  of  the 
sliurp  <'h(''.f>  witis  Vvhich  tliifi  Honiowhnt  rfuspicioUf^  bird, 
will  frreet  V(.'ii,  \i>v.  will  boc  a  niode>iti\  attired  little 
walker  daintily  plckirjg  his  n-ay  over  the  leaven  and  fallen 
branehcH,  with  crest,  t^li^^htly  ercet,  loul  head  nodding  at' 
each  step. 

rrt'bnldy,  however,  yonr  iirst  aef|uaintan(-e  \sith  die 
O^en-bird  will  Ix'  niude  throngli  the  medium  of  his  houi?. 
There  are  ii^\y  l)it8  of  w<K.Hlland  where  in  May  and  .luiiO 
you  can  not.  h<;ar  num!*eri-  of  those  hirdH  singing.  It  is  a 
hmd,  ringing,  ''resceiKiu.cUunt,  to  which  Mr.  I'urroiigluV.s 
de^crimi!'!!  uf  "*t»a.'l)er.  /•f/'7'< /,  TKACUKJt,  TEACllKlv, 
TEAOKBB"  '-  «o  a;>i>li<-!U>l<*  that  no  one  would  tliink  of 
df.«('''ibing  !i  in  8!iy  ^•tiJer  way.  The  l.iird  tieenis  to  e.xert 
himj^eit' !■:-  rh<;  ntJuoHt,  and  no  one  hearing  thi.s  far  from 
unisical  p«n-fornuiUi*e  wonld  inuigint;  that  lie  conli.'  im- 
prove upon  it.  Bur  if  .-oaif^  evening  duruig  ^he  height 
of  the  mating '  BOa^on  you  will  vi^<it  the  ()vfn-bir<.i'p 
hiUintK,  vi'U  tiii'v  h*-ar  a  n<..Mg  vvhi>e4'  snlc!ne.sg  is  stailling. 
It  is  the  Hightrfo.i.v  of  the  Oven-bird,  trunsforming  the 
hnniblo  fhanter  into  m-  inspired  inuBieian.  Soaring  high 
above  the  treei*,  he  give;^  nttt^rance  to  a  i-apid,  ee^'^uie 
vvarbiiuiT  w  unlikt;  bi.-  oniioiiry  Hm\y  that  it  i-^  dilHeiiit  to 
be!iev(f  one  bird  U  the  author  of  theiu  hot!). 

Ah  an  nri'hiteet  the  Oven  bird  is  also  (iistingnibhed. 
Mis  nni(]i:f  net^t  i>  built  on  the  ground  of  eoiirse  grasses, 
weed  stnlks,  leaven,  and  rootlets,  and  i^?  roofed  over,  the 
entranei"  beieg  at  one  islde.  It  r.liuri  reM'inide,-  an  old- 
f.'i-hl.'iied  ihiteli  oven,  and  ii.-^  shape  is  tia;  origin  oi'  its 
buildej-'rt  name,     '.riio  Oven-bird  arrives  troni  ihe  S<.Miih 


]'.'is8  riiost 
md.  T!ie 
[•  locality. 
I  by  l\r. 
S?L',  ftiu^  if. 
10)-  of  the 
'i(<Ur-  bird 
rod  little 
iiid  falk'u 
:<ddiug  at' 

with  llio 

iijfi  HOIli]^. 

and  .liui'i 
:.  Tt  is  a 
rr(Migl"i8'.s 
ACJIEK, 

tliitik  of 
>  to  cxPrt 
far  from 
onld  iin- 
i*  lu'ii^lit 

ii-bir<rp 
I  riling. 

ing  tiio 

iiu;'  lliirl- 
i'-UL  to 

ii-^hed. 
'•asses, 

■,   tlK3 

old 
1  it« 


PiiATE  LXVIII.  Page  175. 

HOUSE  WREN. 

Louf^th,   5-00  inchoa.     Upper  parts  brown,   marked   with  bliu-k  and 
grayish ;  under  parts  grayish  white. 


MARYLAND   YELLOW-THROAT. 


m 


about  May  1,  and  its  eggs  are  laid  about  the  20tb  of  the 
month.  They  are  white,  speckled  or  spotted  with  cinna- 
mon and  reddish  brown. 

The  Maryland  Yellow-throat  is  an  abundant  iidiabit- 

ant  of  thickets  and  bushy  undergrowths,  readily  idon- 

„     .    ,  tilled   by  his   black  mask   and   yellow 

Yellow-throat,  breast,  nervous  activity,  and  character- 

Gtotiti>/pi.'<triciias.     istic  uotcs.     Souic  birds  must  be   ap- 

I'liito  L.  IV.  preached  with  caution,  but  nothing  save 
an  actual  attack  upon  his  home  will  cause  the  Yellow- 
throat  to  leave  its  shelter.  Hopping  from  linib  to  limb, 
he  aihances  to  the  border  of  the  thicket,  then  retreats  to 
its  depths,  all  the  time  uttering  an  impatient  ehack,  chit^ 
or  j>if,  and,  if  forced  to  fly,  he  goes  only  to  the  next  clump 
of  bnshes. 

The  Yellow-throat's  somewhat  explosive  song  is  so 
easily  set  to  words  and  so  variable  that  there  are  many 
versions  of  it.  It  is  described  as  w/rttitltee,  lohitititee, 
whitititee ;  rajnty,  rajntrj,  rapiiy,  rap,  or  witeh-e-%oee-o, 
witrh-e-tvee-o,  witeh-e-wee-o.  Mr.  Burroughs  says  he  has 
heard  birds  whose  notes  sounded  like  the  words  "  Which 
way,  sir?"  and  I  have  heard  some  who  seemed  to  say 
''  Wait  a  minute." 

To  this  the  Yellow-throat  sometimes  adds  a  flight 
song,  which  is  a  miniature  of  the  Oven-lnrd's  aerial  sere- 
nade. It  is  generally  added  to  his  usual  song,  and  is 
most  often  heard  late  in  the  season  at  evening,  when 
the  l)ird  may  be  seen  springing  into  the  air  above  his 
bushy  retreat. 

The  Yellow-throat  arrives  from  the  South  about  May 
1,  and  remains  until  the  middle  of  October.  Late  in 
May  a  bulky  nest  of  grasses,  strips  of  bark,  and  dead 
leaves,  lined  with  finer  materials,  is  built  on  or  near  the 
ground.  The  three  to  five  eggs  are  wdiite,  rather  thinly 
speckled  with  reddish  brown.     Often  an  egg  of  the  Cow •• 


172 


YELLOW -BREASTED  CHAT. 


11'     ;! 


11 V 


bird  ^vill  be  found  in  the  nest,  Yellow-throats  being  one 
of  the  birds  most  frequently  chosen  by  the  Cowbird  as 
foster-]>arent8. 

The  Chat  is  the  largest  of  the  Warblers,  and  so  ujdike 
them,  or  any  other  birds,  in  disposition  that  if  classitica- 
YeUow-breaatedChat,   ^i^^"  ^^'^''^  l^^'^cd  on  character,  the  Chat 

ictirin  rii;iix.        would  surely  be  placed  in  a  family  by 

I'lat.  Lxv.  jt^jjif^  The  Chat's  peculiarities' are 
numerous,  but  are  most  evident  in  his  song.  Many 
times  I  have  sat.  note-book  and  pencil  in  hand,  tryhig  to 
e>:press  in  words  the  song  of  a  Chat  singing  in  a  neigh- 
boring thicket,  but  I  have  never  succeeded  in  putting  on 
paper  anything  which  would  convey  an  ade([uate  idea  of 
the  bird's  remarkable  vocal  performances.  Of  othei's 
who  have  attempted  the  same  task,  I  think  Mr.  Bur- 
roughs comes  nearest  to  interpreting  the  bird's  strange 
medley.  He  says :  "  Now  he  barks  like  a  puppy,  then 
quacks  like  a  Duck,  then  rattles  like  a  Kingfisher,  then 
squalls  like  a  fox,  then  caws  like  a  Crow,  then  mews  like 
a  cat.  .  .  .  C-r-i'-i'-i'-i' — lehrr — that''H  it — chee — quack, 
duck,  y'it-)jit-ijit — n<nr  hit  it — tv-r-v-c — v::hen — caw — caw 
— cut,  cut — tea -hoy — who,  who — lacw,  mewy  You  may 
be  pardoned  for  doubting  that  a  bird  can  produce  so 
strange  a  series  of  noises,  but  if  you  will  go  to  the  Chat's 
haunts  in  tluekety  openings  in  the  woods,  or  other  l)ushy 
places,  and  let  him  speak  for  himself,  you  will  admit  that 
our  alphabet  can  not  do  lum  justice.  To  hear  the  Chat  is 
one  thing,  to  see  him  quite  another.  But  he  will  repay 
study,  and  if  you  will  conceal  yourself  near  his  home  you 
may  see  him  deliver  part  of  his  repertoire  while  on  the 
wing,  with  legs  dangling,  wings  and  tail  flai)i)ing,  and  his 
whole  appearance  suggesting  that  of  a  bird  who  has  had 
an  unfortunate  encounter  with  a  charge  of  shot. 

But  if  the  Chat's  song  is  surprising  when  heard  dur- 
ing the  day,  imagine  the  effect  it  creates  at  night  when 


l)eirn;  one 
^owbird  as 

[I  so  uTilike 
:'  classitica- 
r,  the  Chat 
I  family  by 
arities    are 
i\^^.     Many 
I,  trvin<>;  to 
in  a  neigh- 
putting  on 
ite  idea  of 
Of  others 
:  Mr.  Bur- 
•d's  strange 
•nppy,  then 
fisher,  then 
mews  like 
lee — (piacl', 
-cair — caw 
You  may 
produce   so 
the  Chat's 
ther  bushy 
admit  that 
the  Chat  is 
will  repay 
home  you 
hile  on  the 
ng,  and  his 
ho  has  had 
t. 

lieard  dur- 
light  when 


Plate  LXIX.  Page  177. 

LONG-BILLED  MARSH  "WEEN. 

Length,  5-20  inches.     ITpjier  parts  brown,  bhiek,  and  while,  a  wliite 
line  over  eye;  under  parts  white,  sides  brt)wnish. 


!! 


■  ITTt    "ii 


CATmiM). 


I7H 


li(>  l»!i!^  tlu'  Mfn^ic  fo  liiiiiMrir,  for  he  in  one  ol"  our  few  MnlK 
who  Hiiitj  rt'i;iiliirl_v  iiixl    In-clv  tliiriii^'  llic  iiiglil,  moonlit 

tlijjllls   iK'illfJJ   most    ol'tlMl    H<>l('Ct»Ml. 

'rii«<  ( 'liiit  is  II  rallu>r  sontlioni  Itinl  in  its  tlistrilMitioii, 
Ihmiuj:  I'ouiv.l  north  of  ('oiiniM'ticut  «»nl_v  locnllv  iind  rnrclv. 
It  winters  in  the  tropics,  cominu;  {{^  us  iihout  Mnv  t  mihI 
(h'paftiui;  ciirlv  in  Si>|>lt'mlu>i'.  Its  wi>ll  ninth'  nrsi  of 
^r.'isst's,  h'uvi's,  tn!*l  strips  of  hiirk  is  p>in>nillv  phircd  in 
thr  crotch  of  n  siiplin^i;  within  three  f(>el  of  the  ^roni);i. 
Itrt  three  to  live  ei>ii;s  are  while,  riither  evenly  speckled 
and  spotted  with  reddish  hrown. 


i 


'rnKAMMKUH,    WUKNH,    KT<',      (l<'.\MII,V    TKonLonYTIIM';.) 

The  Knstern  repres(>ntntives  of  this  fnmilv  lire  ii|tpiir- 
»>nllv  too  unlike  to  he  classed  in  the  sinne  }i;ron|»,  hut  when 
all  tlu^  two  hundred  nuMiihers  of  the  fnmilv  are  studied,  it 
is  evident  that  the  extremes  are  connected  hy  intermedi- 
ate species  possessinj^  in  a  decree  the  characters  of  hoth 


W 


re"s  and 


Tl 


n'asiu>rs. 


riu>  Cnthird  hi'lonjucw  to  tlH>  suh<aniilv  Mhiiliiii;  which 


<'ontains  also  the   Mockinj^hirds  and  Thrashers,  inMnher- 
Catbird  '".^    Home    fifty    species,    all    hein<jf    n;- 

(;<i/,o.wi/'/,.s  strictiMl  1«>  North  America. 

•"'"''■"•  ""'^  The    ('iitl)ird    is    oiu^    (»f    the    most 

familiar  feathered  inhaliitants  of  the  denser  shruldKM'y 
ahout  (Mir  lawns  and  j^ardens.  The  sexes  ai'e  alike  in 
cohu",  Itotli    heiinr  Niatv  urav,  with   a   hiack  cap  and   tail. 


ip 


and  hrick-red  under  tailcoverts.  They  arrive  from  the 
South  ahout  April  iiH,  and  remain  until  ( )ctoher.  Their 
nest  is  usually   placed   in   thickets,  shruhhery,  or  heavily 


d  t 


onairetl  trees,  and 


ei'p   greenish   l»!ue  «'^fi;H  arc; 


laid 


the  d 
thc!  fourth  week  in  May. 

It  is  unfortunat(>  that  the  (■iithird's  nami^  shoidd  have 
oriy-inatcd  in  his  call-note  rather  than   in  his  sonir.     The 


174 


MOCKINGBIRD. 


former  is  a  pelulaiit,  wliiiiiiii!;,  nasal  hhay,  to  me  one  of 
the  ni(t8t  (litsa^reeahle  huuikIh  in  Nature,  and  so  unlike 
the  hird's  sonjjj  that  he  seems  possess-ed  of  a  dual  ))ersun- 
ality.  The  ('athird's  song,  from  a  musical  standpoint,  is 
excelled  hy  that  of  few  of  our  bivdH.  His  voice  is  full 
and  rich,  ills  execution  and  phrasing  are  faultUiss;  hut 
the  etfect  of  his  song,  sweet  and  varied  as  it  is,  is  marred 
by  the  singers  too  evident  consciousness. 

The  Catbird's  relative,  the  JMockingbird,  is  an  abun- 
dant iidia])itiint  of  the  southern  United  States  fron>  Vir- 

MookingLird,        gl»iiii  to  (.'aliforina,  and  ranges  south- 
jii,iiiispo/,,,,/oti<,s.     V  ird    into    IMexico.      In    the    Ea:;toru 

I'liitL  LX\  1.  States  it  is  not  conmion  north  of  south- 
ern Illinois  antl  Virginia,  but  in  sunnner  it  is  found  in 
small  numbers  as  far  noi'th  as  Massachusetts,  where  a  few 
pairs  !)reed  each  season.  It  is  exceedingly  domestic  in 
its  habits,  and  in  the  South  there  are  few  suitable  gar- 
dens, either  in  the  town  or  country,  which  are  not  inhab- 
ited by  a  pair  oi  Mockingbirds. 

The  power  of  mimicry  for  which  this  bird  is  cele- 
brated has,  I  think,  been  unduly  exaggerated,  and  the 
fwt  that  its  usual  song  contains  several  notes  resembling 
those  of  other  species  doubtless  in  part  accounts  for  its 
much  overrated  ability  as  a  mimic.  It  is  unnecessary, 
however,  for  the  Mockingbird  to  borrow  the  notes  of  other 
birds,  for  his  own  song  places  him  in  the  front  rank  of 
our  songsters.  It  is  delivered  with  a  spirit  and  animation 
which  add  greatly  to  its  attractiveness.  The  ]VIocking- 
bird  does  not  sing  between  mouthfuls,  as  do  the  Yireos, 
or  quietly  from  a  percli,  like  the  Towhee  or  Thrasher; 
he  fre(piently  changes  his  position,  hopping  from  place 
to  place,  making  short  hi'ihts,  bounding  into  the  air,  aiul 
displaying  the  white  markings  of  his  wings  and  tail,  as 
though  it  were  impossible  for  him  to  give  expression  to 
his  emotion  through  the  medium  of  voice  alone.     During 


T^*l 


to  me  one  of 
nd  so  unlike 
(luiil  ])eriJOii- 
staiulpoiiit,  is  ^M  jf'' 

voioe  in  full 
'imlrl(!SK ;  hut 

is,  is  lanrred 


,  is  an  al)U!i- 

;es  from  Vir- 

an^'os  Kouth-  ^  -■  .■^. 

til''    Ea;;t!M'ii 

rtli  of  south- 
is  found  in 
where  u  few 
domestic  in 

suitable  gar- 
re  not  inhab- 

bird  is  cele- 
ted,  and  the 

resembling 
ounts  for  its 
unnecessary, 
lotes  of  other 
ront  rank  of 
id  animation 
le  jMoeking- 

the  Yireos, 
ir  Thrasher; 

from  place 

the  air,  and 

and  tail,  as 
xpression  to 
le.     During 


/ 


^^ 


M.'(KlNtUllUI». 


fi-niU'r   i.-*   :»    pi'tulur.!.   '.  Iiit'ini.''.  i,;iMil    ifi'H/,  to  tiH'  OMC  uf 


IJllMlWl-t      (ll.-lil'MV'l   uMc      rilllMl'Irt        ,1 


N;t'i)r> .  \<.Hx\   "i»  unlik 


ilMlkU 


llu'    ("il'il'.S  r.r)Ii'J    llilit    ll'     ..l<(Mll-    [."SS«».rMl   ul'   H    (lu;ii     [ICl'f'DH- 


liifv.     Tl.c  ■<').!  I  I''-!' 


*   M>il''.    I  lolil    :)     tlHlhK'MI     .-t.lln 


l|M)ihi 


IS 


<:\''i-l!f(t  Ii\  (Ipit  ul"  ;,  ',\  (if  i>ui'  liii'iih.  n ifi  \iiicr  is  full 
iikI  iii*!,iii-  ••M'litiiMi  ;nii  ('liiaiii;.  nrc  fuuli  Ii-n- ;  !i|,t 
thi.'  tHV''t  111'  lii.'^  ><>;>>;,  ■^wt.'ct  iin<l  ■  ,i»'ii  tt  j.,s  It  ].■ ,  in  iniirrcl 
I'V  U\c  -tiiir»M"'-   •'>!>  I  viilcii)'  cull-..  ;'ii'     .'"• 


'I'll.:    '     •Hili'-.IV     rfl.llU..;      tl'(,l      \\. 


i.i::!.iril.  IS   ii!l    ;il  \\h- 


■  l.in'  iiilial'ir.iiit   of  tiu'  .-■iiu Uci".     "mim  I  Si.iii'-  f'"'':i!  Vir- 


!     .  .     I    V  \  I, 


!((:'.         >     <  'lllitiirui.;.     tM,|     \-,:i[-/r.~     •.(illM- 


W'llIM       li"»      Mr.Vh.i 


M. 


(-.»  1  I! 


Siiil' -  11   I .  lu't  I  Mf.iiii.pii  iht;  li   I'T  -...tidi- 


I'i'J.   ll'ii.ui.-   iUlii    \  '.iLi;ii,i.  "ut    111    ~:'uiiti!i'    II    I.--    toiii' 


i    ,  n 


:it;ni  iiiimi.v'iv-i  a.-^  l:ii 


[j;iii's  I  ire*  •!    I' 


iVh 


ic'iMi  :i.  Mii-~  |...•llu^^^l-.  w  IhT'-  n  tow 
i:-       ff    i.-^  f'xcci'-.liiiuiv    |^Mll(■^li^■   ill 


fl«"!-.  I'iflx  »•  i':  rl.ii    '('nil  ■)!•  l■,)|l|l{l^.  vvhii  li  i\.y  uxt  iir!i; 


lU'.l  i.\   ,1  ''.'i; 


■f  Moi-kii' 


r.''    ii'-wi-r   (if    ;iii;!ii' 


•.II    ',V!i.-li    Jtiuf-    hira   ih   Ci'M 


li.'iiti.'d    ii:is.  1    Miiiik,    !.(*!•!,    iKi.'mlv    r<:i-:!'.  r.!i-<i.   j; 


i;:<t 


f   ■.♦ 


i*    !1-  H«'ii«l 


<  .tV.TMMl.- 


fl'.-'f  l;)f 'H  !!;..;• 


[t,.ir!'    I.I      ■/l,,    I- 


:|i     i't!';    -i'T-'li    if  '    I    'I' 


nmc".    ijv  ('i'''J}t(  M    ■if.ili. 


u    iiiinri 


1<    I  -    iiii;;i  ■  f:  -,;irs . 


ilU^'.  I\  ' 


f..i-  t!u-  \\v  ;■  < 


ii'liii'ii  li> '.'irrnvr'  till,  in.td^  ul  m(||i  r 


'f;.  ti'i"  ii'''  'iv,  !i  ^i>,;x   ;■.  i<'',''H 


h'V    ;m    ihc   Ir  >;;*    r,.i:k 


i>  tici'v  m-ii  '.'  .'U  u  .-iiirit  'Ki!  uin 


1.;!  I'  >:i 


'wn   ,-ii:i;X.''t,'"», 

Hl,i''li    I'M    L;'rrji,{.!v   i'>   In  .itira'-iivrn'-'^.      '!  li'     M 

I'll'il  (li  !.•-   t'    -t   fiil)^    It<;'(,-.V  ••11'     '.Mt.nulifu!' .   .1-    <i   '     f'l*'    Nil-    i 


(.,    .  I "•.>•. 


>r   i:i(U-;!\    ifch 


:0'1;.   likf  Miv    'l.iv,!ii't    i^''    'I  LiiL-iiM' . 


,'l.  re 


>•  I'lacc.  nMl-int.r  ••ii"'''    iiii,'.''"--  ln'iir-.'ii!!,.'  m\\<     in'  iiii'.  idkI 


l\  .tl;.    t 


iM'   -^ '  it<     :ii/''i-. I 'f.">    t 


if   :•I^    W  ' 


■ul     (> 


n,'>(i..:'i  I!    A  i.-i  .•  i.'iii>'is.->.''ir    M.r    luiu    l"   iT>  i     i-vjin'-KK 


li.- ilii 'I.'    nU'wli'/l*    i    >•'    tiiiTilii;  [1!  i^'t     ■  !>.>!  I     •,  !i''M\ 


>■  'I'll 


i?  HI    i 


to  u\o  one  of 

^1     "U     ll'lliVl! 

^nuljMjihi.,  IS 
vciicr  \s  full 

ilMl(l»•^^;    lilit 

li ,  ihi  Ui'irrc  1 

is  .-.ii   .il  i;»)- 
L'^'  In.ai  V'ir- 

iM/f:-,     •..|illT|- 
:l.'n'     I'!;i-.>lii 

!.-■   iuiii!!    ',n 
\\  'nT''  .'!   tew 

<ii'iiit->(i(    ill 
^,ii*,iiil{'   <(  i;- 
■■■'  .  ■'\  in!i.i!y- 

iV   <.■.•!< 
iti'I    .'111 


■■>i  •>(!,.  I- 

r.j'.k  .,'■ 

ii|i;;l'  i'l;! 

I'"  1.1!:^'- 

■    ;m    j.i.  .a 

.lir.   :i)i(l 

t  Si'),  :t;- 

-^KiiV.     '•' 


Plate  LXX.  Pages  178,  170. 

CHICKADEE. 

Length,  5-2."j  iiii'lics.     Crown  and  tliroat  lihick;  chocks  wiiitc ;  back  gray; 
belly  white,  washed  with  brownish. 

BROWN  CREEPER. 

Length,  5-05  inches.      Upper  parts    lirown,   rusty,  and  wliite;    under 
parts  white. 


Ma^gwpija!«.g.jmj'»-^j !  •uut'jivim'.'  ■    h-  m 


BROWN  THRASHER. 


175 


moonlight  nights  of  the  nesting  season,  Mockingbirds 
sing  all  night.  They  are  then  less  active,  and,  mounting 
to  some  favorite  perch,  often  a  chimney  top,  flood  the 
still  air  with  entrancing  melody. 

Like  the  Catbird  and  Mocker,  the  Brown  Thrasher  or 

Brown  "Thrush"   inhabits   thickets  and   undergrowth. 

Brown  Thrasher       ^^^  ^^'  lit)wever,  a  much  less  domestic 

Haqmrhyiichiin  rii/us.  bird,  and  prefers  brushy  pasture  lots  and 

riateLXVii.  wayside  hedges  to  lawns  or  gardens. 
He  arrives  from  the  South  the  latter  part  of  April,  and 
often  remains  until  late  in  October.  The  nest  is  built 
about  May  15,  and  is  placed  on  the  ground  or  several  feet 
above  it.  The  eggs  are  bluish  or  grayish  white,  thickly, 
evenly,  and  minutely  speckled  with  cumamon  or  reddish 
brown. 

As  a  songster  I  should  rank  the  Thrasher  between 
the  Mocker  and  the  Catbird.  His  song  is  less  varied  and 
animated  than  the  Mocker's,  and  while  his  technique  may 
not  excel  that  of  the  Catbird,  his  song,  to  my  mind,  is 
much  more  effective  than  the  performance  of  that  accom- 
plished musician.  Mounting  to  the  topmost  limb  of  a 
tree,  he  sings  uninterruptedly  for  several  minutes.  The 
notes  can  be  heard  for  at  least  a  third  of  a  mile,  ringing 
out  clear  and  well  defined  above  the  medley  of  voices 
that  form  the  chorus  of  a  May  morning. 

The  intense  vitality  which  characterizes  the  life  of 
birds  finds  its  highest  expression  in  the  Wrens.     Perpet- 

House  Wren  "**^  motion  alone  describes  the  activity 
Trnijiodytix  ahioi).     of  tlicse  ucrvous,  cxcitable  little  crea- 

Piato  LX\  III.  tures.  Repose  seems  oiit  of  the  ques- 
tion ;  as  well  expect  to  catch  a  weasel  asleep  as  to  find  a 
Wren  at  rest. 

In  his  movements,  song,  and  nesting  habits  our  House 
Wren  exhibits  the  characteristic  traits  of  his  family.  He 
is  ever  hopping,  flitting,  bobbing,  or  bowing,   pausing 


t  ,■ 


!     i  i 


f : 


It      ! 


, 


I 


%U      •! 


m 


m  % 


.up 


M- 


i 


sfii         ' 


B 


t'l 


li 


\\ 


w 


170 


IIOI'SK   WliKN. 


(•nlv  loiiff  ciiouii'li  toji'Ivt'  voice  to  his  freliiijrs  in  iidijottv, 
t^i'oliliiig  notes,  or  an  olViTvescint";,  nmsical  trill,  with  the 
force  of  whieh  his  stnull  body  trenihh's.  It  is  a  wontk'r- 
fiil  onthurst  of  son*;-,  and  the  diminutive  sinjivr's  enthu- 
siasm and  enihimneo  are  even  more  ri'inarkahle.  Tiie 
song  oceu()ies  ahout  three  seconds,  and  I  have  heard  a 
AVren,  in  response  to  a  rival,  sinj;-  at  the  rate  of  ten  stdigs 
a  minute  for  two  hours  at  a  time. 

The  House  Wren  nests  in  ahiiost  any  i<ind  of  suitahK' 
lude  or  cavity,  and  will  fre(jnently  taki;  possession  ot"  a 
bird  box,  if  the  House  Sparrows  have  not  already  set  up 
a  claim  to  the  same  property.  To  prevent  intrusion  from 
the  Sparrows,  the  entrance  to  tlii'  house  should  be  made 
nt>t  lar<;er  than  a  cpiarter  of  a  dollar.  Whatever  be 
the  site  the  Wrens  select,  their  surplus  ener<;y  is  em- 
ployed in  couipleti'ly  tillini;'  it  with  twi<;s,  half  a  busludfid 
beini;'  sometimes  brouj:,ht  with  endless  pains.  The  nest 
proper  is  composed  of  dried  j^rasses,  and  is  placed  in  the 
center  of  this  mass.  Even  in  i'gi>-laying  the  exhaustless 
vitality  of  Wrens  is  sliown,  as  many  as  six  or  eij^lit  ei>'fjfs 
beiuii-  deposited.  In  color  they  are  uniformly  and  nn- 
nutely  speckled  with  pinkish  brown. 

The  House  Wren  arrives  from  the  South  latx;  in  April 

and  remains  until  Octolu'r.     Shortly  before  its  departure 

in    the    fall   a  Wren    comes   from    tlui 

Winter  Wren  p^^^,.^,,  ^j^.^^   resend.les  the  House  Wren 

ill  appt^arance,  but  is  smaller  and  has 
tlie  under  parts  pale  brown,  the;  breast  and  belly  being 
Hnely  barred  with  a  darker  shade  of  the  sanu;  color. 
This  is  the  Winter  W^ren,  a  bird  that  nests  from  north- 
ern New  England  northwai'd  and  southward  along  the 
crests  of  the  Alleghanies  to  North  (/arolina.  It  remains 
with  us  in  small  lunnbers  throughout  the  winter,  return- 
ing to  its  summer  home  in  April.  Mr.  Ihirroughs  writes 
of  the  Winter  Wren's  song  as  a  "  wild,  sweet,  rhythmical 


ij;s  in  fidgotty, 
trill,  witii  the 
It  is  a  woiiilor- 
;iii«i,iM''s  t'utliu- 
iiirkahU'.  TIk! 
liiivi'  lieanl  11 

tl'  of   tt'll   SOIlli'S 

iiid  of  siiitaMo 
lossi'ssioii  ot"  11 
already  Kot  iij) 
intrusion  from 
onld  he  made 

Whatever  be 
'ner<>'y  is  eni- 
alf  a  huslielful 
ns.     The  nest 

placed  in  the 
lie  exhanstless 

(»r  eiii'ht  eno-s 

iidv  and   mi- 


1 

- 

.-.  : ,      ■■-''. 

" . .             >  ' 

^c^sisr;. 

vcn.njv.^j; 

ft , 

* '  t 

1. 

; 

i 

1 

• 

'   'rf  ''-■- 

1 

1 

i 

late  in  A|)ril 

its  depurtiire 
U!s    from    tlu! 

House  Wren 
Lllc;r  and  lias 
1  helly  l)einf:>' 

same   color. 

from  north- 
rd  alon<j;  the 
It  remaiiiK 
inter,  retiirn- 

(•iijj^hs  writes 

,  rhythniieal 


jV";1*^t   ■  ^■^•"V.*'■'^.■■ 


■;;-■.-i(!-^""'>■■';•,^^,'•.S. 'Mii  -• 


■    '■ 


t  i; : 


i  in 


'  * 


*      i|     .!'ii 


I  ( 


■)    i 


It',. 


''       I 


vv  i.':-,\ 


■  -I ' 

1  ^  ■ 


fr. 


I 

I  ■  • ; .    i 


"  Vl.vvv:  LXXI.  Pages  180,  isi. 

ItKD-BKEASTED  XUTHATCH. 

licrif^tli,   4-(>(l  inclics.     .1/,V,',  cinwii  .nid   line   tliroii^li  eye  black;    liacU 

^'I'iiy;  uiMlrf  piiiis  rusty,     /v///  ■/<■.  siiiiilni',  liiit  Mack  rcplaci'd  liy  ^I'ay. 

WHirK-lJltEASTEl)  XTTHATCH. 

Lcn),'tli.  CcO.")  inches.     .!/,//,•.  crow ii   l)lack  :  liack  gray;  lace  and   under 

|iarls  wiute.     /Ymci/t:  .siniiliU',  luit  crown  slaty. 


WRENS. 


177 


cadence  that  holds  you  entranced,"  but  while  with  us  the 
bird's  only  note  is  an  impatient  chimp,  chimp,  suggest- 
ing the  Song  Sparrow's  call-note. 

The  Carolina  AYren  is  a  more  southern  bird  than  the 
House  Wren.  It  is  of  only  local  distribution  north  of 
Carolina  Wren,  southern  New  Jersey,  and  is  rarely 
Tiiryothurtis  found   north  of   the  vicinity  of  New 

ludovicianus.  York  city,  where  it  appears  t-)  be  in- 
creasing in  numbers  and  is  found  throughout  the  year. 
This  Wren  is  half  an  inch  longer  and  decidedly  heavier 
than  the  House  Wren  ;  its  uppei-  parts  are  bright  cinna- 
mon, its  under  parts  waphed  with  the  same  color,  and 
a  conspicuous  white  line  passes  from  the  bill  over  the 
eye. 

The  Carolina  Wi'en  is  an  exceedingly  nuisical  bird, 
and  its  loud  whistled  calls  are  among  the  most  character- 
i.-5tic  bird  notes  in  the  South.  They  are  numerous  and 
varied,  the  most  common  resembling  the  syllables  whee- 
nrh-l,  whee-^idi'l,  ■whee-udel,  and  tea-kettle,  ten-K'ettle,  tea- 
kettle. 

The  haunts  of   most  marsh-inhabiting  birds   are  as 

sharply  detined  as  the  limits  of  their  ranges.     The  Long- 

^.„  ,  billed  Marsh  Wren   is  /lot   known   in 

Long-billed  ,         r^  i         r-    nr  1  IT 

Marsh  Wren    t'^*^  '^^'^^^  nortli  or  JNlassachusetts,  but  1 

Cidothor'iH  jmlitMrh.     WOuld    aS    SOOU    CXpCCt    tO    tiud    One    of 

Plato  LXix.  these  birds  in  Greenland  as  out  of  a 
marsh.  They  arrive  -  rom  the  South  early  in  May  and 
remain  until  October,  living  in  marshes  where  cat-tails 
grow,  to  which  they  may  attach  their  bulky,  globular 
nests  of  reeds  and  grasses.  With  the  superabundant 
vigor  of  Wrens  they  build  more  nests  than  diey  can 
possibly  occupy,  and  many  will  be  examined  before  the 
live  to  six  dark  brown  eggs  are  found. 

The  Marsh  Wren  is  quite  as  active  and  irrepressible 
as  the  other  members  of  his  family.     If  is  call  is  the  cus- 

25 


r  'r 


178 


BROWN  crp:eper. 


tomary  scolding  cacl: ;  liis  song,  a  bubbling,  trickling 
tinkle  that  can  not  be  called  musical,  but  to  my  miiul  is 
indescribably  attractive.  It  is  often  sung  in  the  air,  and 
in  marshes  where  AVi-cns  are  abuiulant  bird  after  bird 
may  be  se  spr"  .,  ng  ii  few  feet  above  the  reeds,  sing- 
ing his  son^.%  tOiil  ihen  dropping  back  again. 


Crkepers. 


\MILY  CEKTHIIUiE.) 


Of  the  twelve  known  members  of  this  family,  the 
Brown   Creeper   is   the   only   one   inhabiting   the  New 

AVorld.     It  is  a  northern  bird,  breed- 
Brown  Creeper,       .  ,       ,       ,     ^  t»  r  • 
Cci-tiii'i/nmiii<iv!,i       mg  at  sea  level  only  from  JNlame  north- 
anwricann.  ward,  but  extciuliiig  soutliward  in  the 

Plate  Lxx.  AUeghanies  to  North  Carolina.  Sev- 
eral western  races  are  found  in  the  Tlocky  ]\rountain 
region  and  Sierra  Madres.  Our  eastern  bird  migrates 
southward  late  in  Septendjcr,  and  from  that  date  until 
April  it  may  be  found  from  Massachusetts  to  Florida. 

The  Creeper,  like  a  Woodpecker,  never  climbs  head 
downward,  but,  using  his  stiff,  pointed  tail-feathers  (see 
Fig.  ?>b)  as  a  prop,  winds  rapidly  up  the  trunks  of  trees 
in  his  apparently  never-ending  search  for  insects'  eggs 
and  larvffi  hidden  in  crevices  in  the  bark.  If  the  Wrens 
are  the  most  active  birds,  the  Creeper  is  the  most  dili- 
gent. Except  when  it  was  stopping  to  secure  some  tid- 
bit, I  can  not  remember  seeing  a  Creeper  resting.  He 
usually  begins  at  the  base  of  a  tree  and  climbs  in  a  seri- 
ous, intent  way  for  a  certain  distance,  and  then,  without 
a  moment's  pause,  drops  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  next 
tree  and  continues  his  search. 

The  Creeper's  only  notes  while  with  us  are  a  thin, 
fine  squeak ;  but  Mr.  Brewster  tells  us  that  during  the 
nesting  season  he  has  an  exquisitely  tender  song  of  four 
notes. 


I  I 


CHICKADEE. 


IT!) 


Titmice  and  Nuthatches.    (Family  PARiDiU.) 


I 


Coinparing  the  Titmice  with  the  Nuthatches,  tlie 
former  may  be  described  as  sliort-billed  birds  with  lon^ 
tails  who  do  not  creep,  the  latter  as  long-billed  birds 
with  short  tails  who  do  creep.  The  two  groups  are,  in 
fact,  quite  distinct,  and  by  some  systematists  are  placed 
in  separate  families. 

The  Titmice  number  some  seventy-tive  species,  four 

of  which  are  found  in  eastern  North  America.      The 

Chickadee  commonest  and  most  generally  distrib- 

Parii/iafrinijuiiua.     utcd    is   tlio   Black-cappcd   Chickadee, 

riutu  Lxx.  which  is  found  from  Labrador  to  ]\Iary- 
land  and  in  the  Alleghanies  southward  to  North  Carolina. 
Farther  south  it  is  replaced  by  the  closely  allied  Carolina 
Chickadee. 

Throughout  the  greater  part  of  its  range  the  Chickadee 
is  found  at  all  seasons,  but  it  is  less  conunon  in  tlie  middle 
and  southern  New  England  States  in  sunnner  than  in  win- 
ter, and  is  most  numerous  during  its  migration  in  October. 

It  is  with  Avinter  that  these  merry  little  black  and 
white  midgets  are  generally  associated.  Their  tameness, 
quaint  notes,  and  friendly  ways  make  them  unusually  com- 
panionable birds;  one  need  not  lack  for  society  when 
Chickadees  are  to  be  found.  Many  of  their  notes  are 
especially  conversational  in  character,  and  in  addition  to 
the  familiar  chickadee  call,  they  have  a  high,  sweet, 
plaintive  two-  or  three-noted  whistle. 

The  Chi(  kadee  nests  about  the  middle  of  May,  select- 
ing some  suitable  cavity'  or  ;naking  one  for  himself  in  a 
decayed  trunk  or  limb  and  lining  it  with  moss,  plant- 
down,  and  feathers.  The  eggs,  live  to  eight  in  number, 
are  white,  spotted  and  speckled,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end, 
with  cinnamon  or  reddish  brown. 


■i\ 


■<.■■•. 


'iii 


Tufted  Titmouie, 

l\irii.i  liii'i'h'f. 


WIIITK  mjKASTKP   Nl'TIIATCll. 


\]\o  'rufti'd   Titiiiousi'  is  II  iii(iri>  smitluTii   ItinI  tlmii 

tlio  {MiickiidiH'  aiul  is  niivlv  lomul  north  of  imillu'rii  Nt  w 

tliTHi'v,     \vln'rt«,    liowovor,     it     rciiuiiiis 

tliroiii^lioiit    tlu'   vnir.      It    is  six  iiiclu's 

in   li'iiiflii,   f^niv   iiltovr,   wliilisli    liclow, 

with  ti  hliu'k  loivhcml,  loddisli    l>ro\vii    sides,  mihI    a  coii- 

spiiMioiis  civst.      Its   usual  call   is  a  whistled    yv A»,  j>if<\ 

/'<fi>,  which  it  will  utter   tor  hours  at  a  time.      It  has  also 

u  </i-t/i-(/i  -(/<  call,  siiiiijestin^  tin*  ( 'hicUadi-e's  wi'll-kuown 

ii»>tes,  hut  louder  and  more  nasal. 

With  noespt'cial  structure  other  than  sli^^htlv  enlarj^ed 

ti>o  nails,  thi>  Nuthatclu's  still  dilVer  markedly  from  other 

hirds  in   the  ease  with   which   thev  run 


White-breaotod 

Nuthatch,    "1'  '•'"  'h)wn   ta-e    truidis.     The    tail   is 
si/t,i  ,\irf!iihH.ii.-:      sIumM    and    s<|iiare  and   is  not    u.sed   in 

'■''"'' '•^^'-  clind.inf,'.     The    hill    is    rather    slender, 

hut  proves  an  iMlectisc  instrument  in  removing'  in.seets' 
euj«»s  and  larvie  fn»m  crevices  in  the  hark  and  even  in 
excavating  a  nestiny-  hole  in  some  ilecayed  lind>.  Several 
species  also  u.se  it  to  crack  or  "  hatch  "  nuts  after  they 
have  wedned  them  in  a  convenient  crevice. 

Of  the  thri'e  specii's  of  Nuthatches  found  in  eastern 
North  America  the  Wliite-hreasted  is  the  most  common 
and  i;ei\erally  distrihuted,  heinj^a  permanent  resident  from 
Florida  to  northern  New  Kni;land.  Like  manv  resident 
birds,  it  m'sts  early,  the  five  ttt  oi^ht  c<;i:;s  heini^  depos- 
ited about  April  20.  They  are  white,  thickly  and 
evenly  spotted  and  speckled  with  reddish  hntwn  and 
lavender. 

This  Nnthatcirs  usual  call-note  is  a  loud  t/(fii/>; 
i/iiiiJi\  while  its  sonj:;  is  a  sin<:;nlar,  tenor  /ittli-/iti/i-li(ili~ 
liilli-lni/i. 

The  Ki'd-hreasted  Nuthatch  is  a  more  northern  bird 
than  its  larii-er,  white-breasted  cousin.  At  sea  level  it 
nests  from  Maine  northward,  but  in  tho  hi<.^hor  ]»arts  of 


iTii  bird  lliiMi 
inrilu'ni  New 
,  il  i'(>iiiiiiiiH 
is  six  iiK'lu'H 
liilisli    liclow, 

S,   lliul     II    COII- 

It  liiiK  also 
s  wcll-kiiou'ii 


Iidv  ciiliiri'i'd 

»  O 

V    llOIII    otllt'l' 

icli  flii'v  run 
Tlic  tiiil  \n 
not  used  in 
llicr  sii'ndcr, 
vin^'  inscctrt' 
imd  even  in 
nl».  Sovrriil 
rt  lifter  tlmv 


j^': 


id  in  cjistcrn 
»»st  coninion 

sidcnt  Iroiu 
inv  resident 
ein<^  depos- 
tliicldy    and 

brown    iind 


if^'  ^: 


''■m 


Olid     !/«iih\ 
^It-hith-litth- 


•tliern  bird 
;e!i  levi'I  it 
er  ])arts  of 


-**, 

■v..  ^'^^^ 

.> 

•k. 

K"' 

J' 

jl 

^ 

U   .  -. 

^p 

„     -  w 

>i»«i* 

'"'^•,< 

"»■%»»             ,1 

^^J0^ 

i»^^k 

SKI 

l"r,ATi;  lAXIII.  |.„i,,;  |h:(. 

VKKKV. 

l-i'ii,i,'lli,  7-."i(i  iiirhcs.      rpin'r  |)iirts,  \^ill^'^,.  iiml  lull  iiiiUMnri  li;,'lil  ciimji- 

;   I'li'asl    liMfl'v,    lij;lil    iiiiii'ki'il    uilli   riiinniiinii;    lu'lly    while;    sides 

!4l'fivlsli. 


nr         I  •>i»i«<»ib<miiiLirii;^»nii 


0()M)l«]N-(;U()WNKI)   KINOIil<yr. 


181 


tlio  AIIof;lmiii(!s  it  hrccdrt  as  far  Hoiithwanl  aw  North  Caro- 
lina. It  (lomrs  to  us  from  tlio  iiortli  early  in  Soptoin- 
_  ..  .  her,  ami  in  tlio  wintiT  may  be  found  in 

Nuthatch    ^"'''.V'".'^  iiiiniherH  from  MaMwacliusettH  to 
sithi  luiiiivhiiHiH.      the     duU'    States.       Its    call-noto     is 
nuiol-NXl.         liijrhcM',    thinner,    and    more     drawled 
than    the  vij^orous    t/(Hi/i',    <i>(nk   of    the   White-hreasted 
Nuthatch,  and  sugj^ests  the  Hound  produced  hy  a  penny 
trumjtet. 


KlNOI.KTS,   nNA'n^VTCUKUH,   KT(1.      (FaMII-V  SYLVUO^R.) 

Of  the  three  sid)families  included  in  this  family 
wo  have  representatives  in  eastern  North  America  of 
oidy  two — the  two  Kinglets  of  the  subfamily  liciju- 
I'nuv  and  the  lilue-gray  (Jnatcatcrher  of  thfc  subfamily 
P<)H(>j>(irniiV.  The  (Inatcatcher  is  a  southern  bird,  o(;- 
curring  only  locally  or  as  a  straggler  north  of  Maryland. 
The  Kinglets  are  both  more  northern  in  their  distri- 
bution. 

The  (Jolden-crowned  Kinglet  nests  from"  the  north- 
ern tier  of  States  northward  and  southward  along  the 

Oolden-orowned  ^'"'^'"^^  ''^  ^''"  A^Heghanies  to  North  Oar- 

Kinglet,  <^*hna.     In    its   autunujal    migration    it 
liiijiihix  s,i/r,i/m.      reaches  the  vicinity  of  New  ^'ork  <uty 
'''""' '"''■^"-       about   Septendter   iiO,   and  during  the 
winter  may  be  found  in  varying  numb(M's  from  Maine  to 
Florida. 

The  (rolden-crown  tlits  about  the  terminal  twigs  in  its 
search  for  insect  food  and  reminds  one  somewhat  of  tho 
smaller,  trec-iidiabiting  WarbliM's  in  habits.  Its  call  is  a 
line  fi\  f/\  one  of  the  highest  and  least  noticeable  notes 
uttered  by  birds.  Its  song,  which  is  rarely  heard  except 
in  its  nesting  range,  is  (lescril)ed  by  Mr.  Brewster  as  begin- 
ning with  a  succession  of  live  or  six  tine  shrill,  high-pitched, 


182 


RUBY-CROWNED  KINGLET. 


somewhat  faltering  notes,  and  ending  with  a  short,  rapid, 
rather  explosive  warble. 

The  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet  is  a  more  northern  bird 
in  summer  and  a  more  southern  bird  in  winter  than  the 
Golden-crown,  rarely  being  found  at  the  latter  season  noi'th 
of  South  Carolina.  Throughout  the  Middle  States  it  oc- 
_  .  ,  curs  as  an  abundant  spring  and  fall  mi- 

Kinglet,  gi'ant,  passing  northward  from  April  10 
Reguius  caieuduia.     to  May  10  and  Southward  between  Sep- 

Piute  Lxxii.  tember  20  and  October  20.  The  Ruby- 
crown  resembles  the  Golden-crown  in  habits,  but  is  more 
active.  Females  and  young  males  lack  the  ruby  crown- 
patch,  but  their  white  eye-ring,  impatient,  wrenlike  little 
note,  and  manner  of  nervously  t\\  itching  their  wings  are 
characteristic. 

Taking  the  small  size  of  the  bird  into  consideration, 
the  Ruby-crown's  song  is  one  of  the  most  marvelous  vo- 
cal performances  among  birds.  As  Dr.  Coues  remarks, 
the  sound-producing  organ  is  not  larger  than  a  pinhead, 
and  the  nuiscles  that  m()\e  it  are  almost  microscopic 
shreds  of  flesh  ;  still,  the  bird's  song  is  not  only  surpass- 
ingly sweet,  varied,  and  sustained,  but  is  possessed  of  suf- 
ficient volume  to  be  heard  at  a  distance  of  two  hundred 
yards.  Fortunately,  the  Ruby-crown  sings  both  on  its 
sjjring  and  fall  migrations. 


Thhushks,  Blukbirds,  etc.    (Family  Turdid.^.) 

On  the  basis  of  certain  details  of  structure  Thrushes 
are  generally  assigned  highest  rank  in  the  class  Aves. 
Without  pausing  to  discuss  the  value  of  the  characters  on 
which  this  classification  is  made,  there  can  Ihj  no  question 
that  from  an  sesthetic  stand{»oint  the  Thrushes  possess  in 
a  greater  degree  than  any  other  birds  those  ipialitications 
which  make  the  ideal  bird.     There  are  many  birds  with 


short,  rapid, 

ortheni  bird 
iter  tlian  the 
season  north 
States  it  oc- 
and  fall  mi- 
om  April  10 
etween  Sep- 
The  Ruby- 
but  is  more 
■ubj  crown- 
•eiilike  little 
ir  wings  are 

insidcration, 

irvelous  vo- 

les  remarks, 

I  a  pinhead, 

niic'i'oscopic 

_v  surpass- 

^sed  of  suf- 

()  hundred 

oth  on  its 


Thrushes 

lass  Aves. 

iracto'-s  on 

)  (jiir'-ition 

])()sses8  in 

ilihcations 

tirds  with 


"--V 


m 


1 1 


1:1';^ 


i 


li    ;'hl!i! 


f 


I 


I -Hi! 


I,       ■! 

Hi  V 

1  ■ 


!         1 


Jli" 


iii 


iu: 


jjMl' 


\ 


i'<li 


Ur!5\'-i'fji)\\  Ar:iv    KlNsMJ'T. 


;  ii.j 


vU 


■'*"■"     ^•■-f    f  'il'"-ir:;/    !'..,}■      .     m   :    ,'■    .jiCi;-    ^^\:,,  ;,     .5,,.,.,      VMV,ui. 
!•;.(!:.  ;•  •-. ; -W  ...  v         .T"-!  '^ 

t  'ii''i'.%n-i-i '  'U  I'    i'  ■•■'  !\   K  .  ■■       ;  ;  ".i;  :.     ■  ■:.  ^    i  ,  ,     , 

'■      ''     ■  i  '  ^!  ,\   1 1)  ■ii;ii  -  uul.  'V.!  '•;■?,     ■,     •.    , 


1,1    '-1  J'lt 


(  ;• 


■ul. 


\v.» 


■'l-rl.    Vl'p!.-!. 


''■:-'.    ));■,>  f!ie 


■■■•     ^      ■   ■■  H 

.   t    ■  I  .  t 


Plate  LXXIV.  Page  1H4. 

WOOD  THRUSH. 

L(Mij,'tii,  H-;?(1  iiiclios.  T'ii|i('i'  |i;irls  liriu'lil.  I'lisly  ciiiniiiiKiii,  briiiliti'st  on 
liack  1111(1  crosvii;  uiulcr  pju'ts  \vliilt>  cvcrywlu'rc,  cxccpl  ci-ntfi' ol'  lu'lly, 
Willi  large,  I'diuidod  hhicU  spots. 


^A    -A' 


If- 

1  ■ 

'■      1 

\    1; 

VEERY. 


183 


brighter  plumage,  more  striking  voices,  and  more  inter- 
esting habits,  but  there  are  none  whose  bearing  is  more  dis- 
tinguislied,  wliose  songs  are  more  spiritual.  The  brilliant 
Hummingbirds  and  Tanagers  excite  our  admiration,  but 
the  gentle,  retiring  Thrushes  appeal  to  our  higher  emo- 
tions ;  their  music  gives  voice  to  our  noblest  aspirations. 

Five  of  the  true  Thrushes  of  the  genus  TurduH  are 
found  in  eastern  North  America.  Three  of  them  may 
be  mentioned  here — the  V'eery,  Wood  Thrush,  and  Her- 
mit Thrush — a  peerless  trio  of  songsters.  The  Veery's 
mysterious  voi(;e  vibrates  through  the  air  in  i)ulsating 
circles  of  song,  like  the  strains  of  an  yKolian  harp.  The 
Wood  Thrush's  notes  are  ringuig  and  bell-like;  he  sounds 
the  matin  and  vesper  chimes  of  day,  while  the  Hermit's 
hymn  echoes  through  the  woods  like  the  swelling  tone« 
of  an  organ  in  some  vast  cathedral. 

liUt  it  is  im])ossible  to  so  describe  these  songs  that 
their  charm  will  be  understood.  Fortunately,  all  three 
birds  are  abundant,  and  a  brief  account  of  their  haunts 
and  habits  will  enable  any  one  to  find  them. 

The  Veery,  or  Wilson's  Thrush,  winters  in  Central 

America,  and  nests  from  northern  Illinois  and  northern 

Veerv  New  Jersey  northward  to  j\ranitoba  and 

Tur(ii/.'</>iKre.tcens.     Newfoundland  and  southward  along  the 

I'liitc  LXXiii.        Alle<jhanies  to  North  Carolina.  Itcomes 

to  us  in  the  spring,  about  May  1,  and  remains  until  Sep- 

tend)er  15.    Near  the  middle  of  May  it  begins  to  build  its 

nest,  placing  it  on  or  near  the  ground.      Its  eggs  are 

greenish  blue,  and  resend)!e  in  color  those  of  the  Wood 

Thrush,  but  are  slightly  smaller. 

The  Veery's  favorite  haunts  are  low,  damp  woods 
with  an  abundant  undergrowth.  It  is  a  more  retiring 
bird  thai!  the  Wood  Thrush,  and  is  rarely  seen  far  from 
tracts  of  woodland.  It  is  to  be  distinguished  from  our 
other  Thrushes  bv  the  uniform  cinnamon  color  of  its 


>l    t 


18-t 


WOOD  TllliUSlI. 


Ill    i; 


f  r 


8 !! 


4.  1 


upper  parts,  faintly  spotted  breast,  anil  particularly  by 
its  notes. 

The  Veery's  characteristic  calls  are  a  clearly  whistled 
whee-o  or  w/iec-t/oif,  the  first  note  the  higher,  and  a  some- 
what softer  ibo-whee  or  tctocu,  in  which  the  first  note  is 
the  lower.  Its  son^  is  one  of  the  most  mysterious  and 
thrillin<jj  sounds  to  be  heard  in  the  woods.  Elsewhere  I 
have  described  it  as  "a  weird,  ringinfjj  monotone  of 
blended  alto  and  soprano  tones.  ...  It  has  neither 
break  nor  pause,  and  seems  to  emanate  from  no  one 
place.  If  you  can  imaujine  the  syllables  vee-r-r-hu  [or 
vee-ry]  repeated  eight  or  nine  times  around  a  series  of 
intertwining  circles,  the  description  may  enable  you  to 
recognize  the  Veery's  song." 

The  Wood  Thrush  is  a  more  southern  bird  than  the 
Veery,  breeding  from  as  far  south  as  Fk)rida,  north- 
Wood  Thrush  ward  to  southern  ^''ermont  and  Minne- 
Tnnhis iini.'^tiiinKx.  sota.  It  wintcrs  in  Central  America 
JMiitf  i.xxix .        j^jj^i  i.(^}i(^.ijeg  ;,g  ill  the  spring,  alxmt  April 

30,  and  remains  until  October  1.  Its  nest  is  built  about 
the  middle  of  IVIay,  and  is  generally  placed  in  a  sapling 
son: 'J  eight  feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  greenish 
blue. 

The  AVood  Thrush  is  not  such  a  recluse  as  the  Veery. 
He  is,  it  is  true,  a  wood  lover,  and  shares  with  the  A^eery 
his  secludeil  haunts,  but  he  seems  e(pially  at  home  in 
maples  and  elms  about  our  liouses,  or  even  in  the  more 
(piiet  village  streets.  He  is  therefore  more  often  heard 
than  his  mysterious  relative,  and,  as  a  voice,  is  familiar  to 
manv  who  do  not  know  the  singer's  name. 

The  call-notes  of  the  Wood  Thrush  are  a  lifpiid  (piiH 
and  sharp  pit-p'd.  The  latter  is  an  alarm  note,  which, 
when  the  bird  fears  for  the  safety  of  its  young,  is  uttered 
with  much  increased  fon^e  and  rapidity.  It  can  be  closely 
imitated  by  striking  two  large  pebbles  together. 


■■»nff,'y^«'<—y^(nwji)i  ifii)'M<»tfBi|['w»i 


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are  greenish 


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184 


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Plate  LXXV.  Page  185. 

HERMIT  THRUSH. 
L(Mif;th,  7"15  iiichps.     XTpppr  jmi-ts  and  wiiijis  dark  ciiummon-browii; 
tail    brifjlit    nMldish    In-own;  undiT   parts   wliito;  bnvist   spotted    with 
lilai'k;  sidos  washed  with  brownish;  belly  white. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.8 


U      Hi 

■11 


1.25      1.4      1.6 

< 

6"     

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STRCCT 

WEBSTER.  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4S03 


0 


t/j 


HERMIT  THRUSH. 


185 


The  song  of  the   "Wood   Thrush   is   wholly  unlike 
that  of  the  Veery.      It  opens  with  the  flutelike  notes, 
and  is  sung  disconnectedly,  being  broken 
by  pauses  and  by  low  notes,  audible  only 
when  one  is  near  the  singer. 

is  a  more  northern  bird  than 


^^^ 


Come  to  me, 

The  Hermit  Thrush 
either  the  Veery  or  the  Wood  Thrush.    It  rarely  nests  at 
Hermit  Thnuh       ^®^  level  south  of  Vermont  or  northern 
Turdus  aomiiaschko!    Michigan,  but  in  the  higher  portions  of 
paiiasii.  Massachusetts  and  on  the  crests  of  the 

Catskills  and  AUeghanies  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, it  is  also  found  breeding.  It  winters  from  south- 
em  Illinois  and  New  Jersey  southward  to  the  Gulf,  it 
being  the  only  member  of  its  genus  to  inhabit  the  east- 
ern United  States  at  that  season.  Its  spring  migrations 
occur  between  April  5  and  May  10,  and  in  the  fall  we 
see  it  from  October  15  to  November  25,  while  occasion- 
ally it  may  winter. 

During  its  migrations  th'  Hermit  Thrush  usually  fre- 
quents woodlands,  where  it  may  often  be  seen  on  or  near 
the  ground.  Like  the  Veery,  it  is  a  ground-nester,  and 
its  eggs,  though  slightly  lighter  in  color,  resemble  those 
of  the  Veery  and  Wood  Thrush  in  being  plain,  bluish 
green.  When  alighting,  the  Hermit  has  a  characteristic 
habit  of  gently  raising  and  lowering  its  tail,  and  at  the 
same  time  uttering  a  low  cJmi'rTc.  Sometimes  it  sings 
during  the  winter,  in  Florida,  and  also  while  migrating : 
but  if  you  would  hear  this  inspired  songster  at  his  best, 
you  must  visit  him  in  his  summer  home.  The  Hermit's 
song  resembles  that  of  the  Wood  Thrush  in  form,  but 
it  is  more  tender  and  serene.  O  spheral,  spheral!  O 
holy,  holy !  Mr.  Burroughs  writes  the  its  opening  notes, 
and  there  is  something  al)0ut  the  words  which  seems  to 
express  the  spirit  of  heavenly  peace  with  which  the  bird's 
song  is  imbued. 


186 


ROBIN. 


\i\'<^ 


It  seems  a  long  step   from    these    gentle,   refined 
Thrushes  to  their  comparatively  prosaic  cousin,  the  famil- 
iar  Eobin.     But  the   Robin   has    his 
„    ,      ■  \  place,  and  in  March  his  cheery  song  is 

quite    as    effective    as    the    Hei*mit's 
hymn  in  June. 

During  the  summer  Robins  are  distributed  through- 
out North  America  from  the  Gulf  States  and  southern 
end  of  the  Mexican  tableland,  northward  to  Labrador  and 
Alaska.  In  the  winter  they  may  be  found  in  numbers 
from  Virginia  southward,  small  flocks  and  single  birds 
being  occasionally  met  with  as  far  north  as  Massachu- 
setts. Robins  are  among  our  earliest  migrants,  appear- 
ing in  the  vicinity  of  New  York  city  between  February 
20  and  March  1.  Nesting  is  begim  about  April  15,  the 
nmd-lined  nest  and  greenish  blue  eggs  being  too  well 
known  to  require  description.  Two,  or  even  three  broods 
may  be  raised.  In  June,  the  young  of  the  first  brood 
with  some  adult  males  resort  each  night  to  a  chosen 
roost,  often  frequented  by  many  thousands  of  birds. 

The  fall  migration  begins  in  September,  but  the  birds 
are  with  us  in  roving  bands  until  December. 

About  the  time  that  we  first  hear  the  Robin's  ringing 
welcome  to  spring  we  may  listen  for  the  Bluebird's  more 
gentle  greeting.  Doubtless  the  bird 
has  been  with  us  all  winter,  for  Blue- 
birds winter  in  small  numbers  as  far 
north  as  southern  Connecticut,  often  living  near  groves 
of  cedars,  which  offer  them  both  food  and  shelter.  In 
the  Southern  States  they  are  far  more  abundant  at  this 
season,  gathering  in  flocks  containing  hundreds  of  indi- 
viduals. 

The  Bluebird  is  the  first  of  our  smaller  birds  to  begin 
housekeeping,  and  early  in  April  it  may  be  seen  pro- 
specting about  the  site  of  last  year's  nest  in  a  bird  box  or 


Bluebird, 

Sialia  sialic. 


itle,  refined 
n,  the  famil- 
bin  ]ias  his 
eery  song  is 
le    Hfci'mit's 

;ed  through- 
tid  southern 
iabrador  and 
in  numbers 
single  birds 
3  Massachu- 
nts,  appear- 
jn  February 
ipril  15,  the 
ng  too  well 
;hree  broods 

first  brood 
o  a  chosen 

birds, 
ut  the  birds 

•in's  ringing 
sbird's  more 
is  the  bird 
1*,  for  Blue- 
bers  as  far 
near  groves 
shelter.  In 
lant  at  this 
ids  of  indi- 


BLUEBIRD. 


187 


hollow  tree,  and  the  bluish  white  eggs  will  probably  be 
laid  before  the  middle  of  the  month. 

No  bird's  song  is  more  associated  with  the  return  of 
spring  than  the  Bluebird's;  nor -is  there  a  bird's  note 
more  expressive  of  the  passing  season  than  the  Bluebird's 
autumn  call  of  far-away,  far-away. 


•ds  to  begin 
B  seen  pro- 
bird  box  or 


INDEX 


Acantliis  linitria,  146. 
Accipitur  coopuri,  107. 

velox,  107. 
Actitis  iiiauuluria,  90. 
^]^iulitis  Mcmipalniatn,  99. 

vocifeni,  109. 
Ageluius  plioeniceus,  132. 
Aggrc8.sivu  eolorntiou,  44. 
Aigretto  plumes,  88. 
Aluudidu!,  120. 
Albatross,  18,  19. 
AlcediniiliB,  113. 
A  in  pel  idle,  101. 
Ainpcl'm  eedroruni,  161. 
Aiiatidas,  89. 
Androdon,  32. 
Anhingas,  32. 
Anseres,  89. 

Antrowtoinus  voeiferus,  119. 
ArchuBopteryx,  3,  4, 18. 
Ardea  herodias,  91. 

virescena,  92. 
Arduidio,  90. 
Asio  accipitrinus,  109. 

wilaoiiianus,  110. 
Auk,  Great,  20. 

Razor-billed,  20. 
Auks,  20,  21,  28,  30. 
Avoeet,  32,  33. 
Avocettula,  31. 

Bill,  the,  as  a  hand,  30. 
as  a  musical  instrument,  30. 
as  a  weapon,  31. 
sexual  adornment  of,  30. 
uses  of,  30. 


Binls,  altricial,  09. 

ancestors  of,  2. 

beauty  of,  y. 

bill  of,  30. 

biography  of,  73. 

characters  of,  2. 

colors  of,  35. 

distri  bution  of,  4. 

economic  value  of,  5. 

eggs  ol",  08. 

evolution  of,  14. 

feet  of,  27. 

Held  key  to,  75. 

flightless,  19. 

grace  of,  10. 

how  to  identify,  71. 

mating  of,  05. 

mental  development  of,  10. 

migration  of,  48. 

musical  powers  of,  10. 

nests  of,  05. 

number  of  species  of,  1. 

place  ill  Nature  of,  1. 

pripcooial,  69. 

relation  to  man  of,  5. 

Rcieiitittc  value  of,  5. 

songs  of,  11,  02. 

tail  of,  25. 

topograpliy  of,  74. 

voice  of,  02. 

wings  of,  17. 

young  of,  70. 
Bittern.  Aincricuii,  93. 
Blackbird,  Crow,  133. 

Redwinged,  132. 
Blackbirds,  55, 130. 


189 


!•       :t 


-/: 


K 


190 


INDEX. 


Bluebird,  49, 180. 

Bobolink,  16,  30,  37,  38,  54,  55,  60,  03, 

134. 
Bob-white,  3(1,  100. 
BonuHa  uinbcUuH,  101. 
Botaurus  leiitiginoHUs,  93. 
Buboniili?,  108. 
Bull-but,  118. 
Buiitiii);,  Buy-wingod,  140. 

Bluok-throutcd,  155. 

liulijjo,  03,  152. 

Show,  147. 
Butcher-bird,  102. 
Buteo  borcalis,  100. 

liiieiitus,  104. 
Butter-bird,  135. 
Buzziird,  Turkey,  104. 
Buzzards,  8. 

Call-notes,  Mi^nitieance  of,  63. 

Cunarie.s,  89. 

Capriinulgidoi,  117.  ; 

Cardinal,  153. 

CurdinuliH  cardinulia,  153. 

Carpodacus  purpurcus,  149. 

Cassique,  23. 

Ca.'isowury,  19. 

Catbird.  G9,  173. 

Cathartcs  iiura,  103. 

Catliartidse,  103. 

Certhia  fuiniliaria  aniericana,  178. 

Certhiidre,  178. 

Ceryle  alcyon,  114. 

Chwtura  pelagica,  119. 

Clianiberfro,  13.5. 

Charadriidip,  98. 

Chat,  Yellow-breasted,  172. 

Chebec,  125. 

Chelidon  erythrojrastcr,  159 

Chewink.  151. 

Chickadee,  7,  8,  70,  179. 

Carolina.  179. 
Chip|.y,  142. 

Red-capped,  140. 

Winter,  140. 
Chondestea  <jraniniaou8,  154. 
(■hordeile.s  virginiaiius,  118. 
Circus  hudsonius,  106. 


Cistothorua  puluHtria,  177. 

Clai'ii^torea,  122. 

Clupe,  110. 

Clivieolu  ripuria,  159. 

CoeeygCB,  112. 

Coccyzus  unlerieanu^^,  112.  ^  , 

crythrojihtbulniua,  113. 
Coluptea  auratua,  110. 
Colinus  virginianua,  100. 
Color  and  age,  30. 

and  climate,  39. 

and  fooil,  39. 

and  haunt  and  habit,  41. 

and  ac.\,  45. 
Colors  of  birds,  35. 
Cokunbie,  102. 
ColuMiliidu;,  102. 
Contopus  virens,  126. 
Coot,  27,  28,  94. 
Cortnorant-a,  09. 
Corvidie,  128. 
Corvua  uinericanus,  128. 
Cow  bird,  137. 

Creepor,  Brown,  10,  25, 178. 
Creepers,  6,  15,  10,  178. 
Crossbill,  American,  147. 
Crow,  American,  128. 
Crow-duck,  94. 
Cuckoo,  Black-billed,  113. 

Yellow-billed,  7,  112. 
Cuculidip,  112. 
Cyanocitta  cristata,  130. 

Deceptive  coloration,  44. 
Dendrocolaptidie,  32. 
Dendroica  a'.stiva,  108. 

coronuta,  108. 

virens,  108. 
Diekci.-'sel,  155. 
Directive  colors,  44. 
Diviuif  Birds,  84. 
Dociniastes,  31. 
Dolicbonyx  oryzivorus,  1.34. 
Dove,  Carolina,  102. 

Mourninir.  102. 
Dryobates  pubeseena  niedianua,  115. 

villosus,  115. 
Duck,  Black,  89. 


77. 


112. 
13. 

10. 


,41. 


178. 


13. 


1.-54. 


cdianus,  115. 


